Lap Band Surgery Las Vegas—FAQs

What is Gastric Band Surgery?

A gastric band or lap band is a weight-loss surgery that makes use of a hollow silicone belt to enable extremely obese people to get rid of excess weight.

The belt or collar is implanted in a person’s stomach surgically in such a way that it separates the upper portion of the stomach from the lower part.

The limited capacity of the small upper part thus restricts the amount of food that a person can consume in one particular meal.

This surgery performed using a laparoscopic device, is ideal for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and more.

It may also be recommended for obese people with a BMI ranging between 35 and 40 with at least one of the obesity-related medical conditions that tend to improve, such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis.

Gastric banding, being reversible and relatively less invasive, is preferred by many bariatric surgery seekers. Those who intend to travel to Las Vegas for gastric banding surgery may find answers to the questions below to be of help.

Why Las Vegas for Lap Band Surgery?

• Las Vegas is easily approachable from major cities in the US, Canada, and the UK by flight. A road trip takes around 5.5 hours from San Diego and 4.5 hours from Los Angeles.
• Our network hospital in Las Vegas offers concessions for bariatric surgery clients from time to time. Undergoing gastric band surgery in the city would be even more affordable if clients opt for a package.
• The hospital in our network in Las Vegas is well-known for its state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality patient care. The quality of treatment can be gauged by its accreditation and affiliation status.
  It is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and licensed by the Department of Health for Nevada. It is also affiliated with the Federation of American Hospitals, the Association of Western Hospitals, and the Nevada Hospital Association.
• Another advantage of availing a gastric banding here would be getting treated by highly experienced bariatric surgeons in Las Vegas. Knowing that you will be examined by doctors trained and practicing according to the benchmark set by the U.S. government is sometimes just more comforting for some people.
• Undergoing cost-effective laparoscopic gastric banding would prevent you from depleting your life’s savings in a single surgical procedure. Traveling to Vegas for a bariatric service will also give you an opportunity to immerse in the sea of entertainment and relaxation that makes this entertainment hub in America a rage among tourists.

Dr. Bernie Hanna’s Credentials

How Much for Lap Band Surgery in Las Vegas?

For a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 50:

• Cash, Cashier’s check, Visa, Master Card, or Discover: $15,500
• Financing the entire surgery: $17,000

For BMI over 50:

• Cash, Cashier’s check, Visa, Master Card, or Discover: $15,500
• Financing the entire surgery: $17,000

*These are self-paying (outpatient) prices.

How Long is the Lap Band Recovery Period?

• One is usually discharged after 24 hours of lap band surgery. While in Vegas, you will have to recuperate in a resort or hotel of your own choice. If everything seems fine during your follow-up, you will be permitted to leave for your hometown as per the schedule fixed earlier with your surgeon.
• You will be able to carry on your normal daily activities after your incision has healed completely.
• In case if someone is not losing enough weight, is having problems while eating, or is vomiting after meals, the surgeon makes the band tighter or looser as required.

What Preparations Are Made Before the Surgery?

• Gastric banding seekers are asked to undergo some tests to ensure they are free of systemic diseases and are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
• One may be asked by the doctor to stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other medicines with similar effects.
• The night before the surgery, one is not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight.
• One should properly take the medicines prescribed by the doctor before surgery.

What are the Advantages of Lap Band Surgery?

• This weight-reduction surgery leads to an enhanced quality of life.
• Weight loss might be slow in lap band surgery however, it is much steadier than gastric bypass.
• Since the lap band is adjustable, the weight loss continues for a longer time.
• The surgery is reversible. In case you feel uncomfortable about having the band, you can just get it removed.

What are the Risks Involved in Lap Band Surgery?

Although lap bands are beneficial for obese people, there may be some malefaction with the device or other risks. Some of the risks are as follows:

• Obstruction of the stomach
• Dilation of the esophagus
• Sometimes the lap band may slip and cause vomiting
• There may be erosion ( when the band gradually moves from the outside of the stomach to the inside of the stomach)
• There may be a deflation of the band due to leakage that may occur in the band, the reservoir, or the tube that joins them
• Infection or delayed wound healing may happen if the standard sterilization methods are not employed during the surgery or if post-surgical care is inadequate

Most of the complications can be prevented by making adjustments in the band and altering one’s eating style.

Can the Lap Band Device Be Removed?

If a patient suffers serious or life-threatening complications, it is possible to get the lap band reinstated or removed by laparoscopic procedure.

If this band is removed, the stomach is expected to return to its original shape in some time. However, there is a chance that one may soon regain the earlier weight, or even more.