Surgical Associates of La Jolla – Weight Management Division

LAP-BAND® System FAQs – La Jolla LAP-BAND® Surgeons Serving San Diego and North County

Successful weight management is a lifestyle commitment requiring dedication, effort, and long-term orientation. This lifelong journey entails considerable effort in managing weight through a strict adherence to a regimen of nutritious diet, exercise, and activity. Thankfully, recent advances in medical technology are now available to assist us on our journey towards healthy, long-term weight loss. The LAP-BAND® System is one of the most advanced adjustable gastric band systems on the market. Our La Jolla LAP-BAND® System surgeons serving San Diego and North County now have an unprecedented ability to help you manage your weight loss in order to better meet your specific goals.

The surgeons at our weight management center have compiled the following list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) in order to address some of the concerns you may have. For answers to your specific questions, please contact the Surgical Associates of La Jolla & Weight Management Division today.


What Is the LAP-BAND® System?

The LAP-BAND® System utilizes an adjustable gastric band to restrict food intake. The adjustable gastric band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch which limits the amount of food your stomach can store. The adjustable gastric band uses a silicone ring which is filled with saline to manage food intake. Your doctor can change the tightness of the gastric band by adding or removing saline, thus adjusting the LAP-BAND® System to your specified weight loss needs.

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What Are the Advantages of the LAP-BAND® System?

The LAP-BAND® System offers many benefits over traditional weigh loss methods and procedures. The adjustable gastric band allows LAP-BAND® surgeons to adjust food intake to meet your specific weight loss goals and needs. Because the access port allows LAP-BAND® surgeons to adjust the LAP-BAND® System, no additional surgeries for adjustments are needed. If a patient were to become pregnant, for example, the doctor can simply remove saline and loosen the adjustable gastric band to allow for a larger nutritional intake. In addition to being a minimally invasive procedure, LAP-BAND® System does not require intestinal re-routing or stapling of the stomach wall. This means that, unlike other weight loss surgeries, LAP-BAND® surgery is completely reversible.

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How Long Is the Recovery Time?

LAP-BAND® System adjustable gastric band surgery is performed on an out-patient basis, which means that patients can typically resume work-related activities within a week and resume exercise within a month.

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How Effective Is the LAP-BAND® System?

The LAP-BAND® System is extremely effective in managing weight and helping you lose weight over the long run. Unlike other traditional weight loss methods, LAP-BAND® System is a long-term solution to weight management. Moreover, it is important for patients to realize that in addition to the adjustable gastric band weight loss tool, self discipline and commitment are also required to achieve the best results. After LAP-BAND® System surgery, patients lose an average of one to two pounds per week. A gradual approach to weight loss with the LAP-BAND® System is thought to be the best and the healthiest method of losing weight. Losing weight too quickly can cause further health problems.

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Is the LAP-BAND® System a Viable Option for Patients with Low BMI?

An FDA approved study has recently suggested that patients with a low BMI (body mass index) can still benefit from LAP-BAND® surgery. Although the average BMI range for patients undergoing LAP-BAND® surgery is between 35 and 60, you may still benefit from LAP-BAND® if your BMI falls below the 35 range. For low BMI LAP-BAND® patients, a consultation with a surgeon will help you to determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you. If you have a low BMI and are interested in finding out whether you could benefit from LAP-BAND® System surgery, contact our surgeons in La Jolla, serving North County and all of San Diego.

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Contact Surgical Associates of La Jolla - LAP-BAND® Surgeons Serving San Diego and North County

Please contact Surgical Associates of La Jolla & Weight Management Division to learn more about the LAP-BAND® System adjustable gastric band in San Diego and North County.

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Surgical Associates of La Jolla
Dr. Paul Hyde
Dr. Mark Sherman
Dr. Cheryl Olson
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 660
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 452-5054
Fax: (858) 452-5097

Weight Management Division
Dr. Mark Sherman
Dr. Cheryl Olson
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 660
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 452-5054
Fax: (858) 452-5097