Connecticut LAP-BAND® Surgery

The LAP-BAND® System was approved for use in the US by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, although it has been used internationally since 1993. The LAP-BAND System works by reducing the capacity of the stomach and restricting the amount of food patients can eat. As a result, patients feel full faster and longer.

LAP-BAND surgery involves placing a silicone band (or ring) around the stomach via minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, surgery. During the procedure at our Connecticut hospital, instead of one large incision the surgeon makes several small incisions. Thin, long-shafted instruments are used and a tiny camera is placed inside the abdomen through one of the small incisions. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include fewer complications, less pain and a quicker recovery.

The LAP-BAND procedure in itself is safe, effective and does not involve any cutting or stapling of the stomach. Other advantages of the LAP-BAND are its adjustability, so that the weight loss rate can be personalized for each patient, and reversibility.

Candidates for this surgery are those people who:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, or are 50 to 70 pounds overweight,
• Have at least one health condition associated with obesity, and
• Tried more conservative weight loss methods including diet, exercise and pharmacotherapy.

The LAP-BAND procedure is the only surgery that has been approved by the FDA for patients with a BMI as low as 30. To calculate your BMI, use our BMI calculator on the right.

To learn more about the LAP-BAND System procedure, register for a free weight loss surgery seminar with Griffin Bariatrics.

Connecticut LAP-BAND Program

Choosing a LAP-BAND program for your procedure and follow-up is one of the most important decisions you will make. Rest assured that Griffin Bariatrics’ Medical Director and staff bariatric surgeon, Dr. Timothy Ehrlich, MD, FACS, is a fellowship trained surgeon with years of LAP-BAND experience and successful weight loss results. Dr. Ehrlich has treated over 2,000 bariatric patients, and his LAP-BAND patients typically lose about 50% or more of their excess weight over a period of three years after their procedure.

As with any other bariatric surgery, LAP-BAND patients need to make important lifestyle changes and continue to follow up with their surgeon and support staff to ensure long-term success. Griffin Bariatrics and Dr. Ehrlich provide an exceptional support program with regular follow-up appointments. Some of these appointments include LAP-BAND adjustments, where Dr. Ehrlich will add or remove fluid (saline) from the band’s inner surface. Adding the fluid will make the band tighter, so that you are able to eat less. Conversely, removing the fluid will make the band looser, so that you are able to eat more.

Weight loss surgery is a tool to help you lose weight but it only works with your commitment and motivation to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and continue to regularly see Dr. Ehrlich and Griffin Bariatrics support staff.

Cost of LAP-BAND Surgery in Connecticut

We understand that the cost of LAP-BAND cost is an important consideration for any patient thinking about this procedure. Whether you have weight loss surgery insurance or are considering financing your procedure, Griffin Bariatrics can help.

The cost of your procedure will be determined by your insurance coverage, so be sure to ask about our free bariatric insurance verification. Also, keep in mind that with the LAP-BAND surgery, there are post-op follow-up costs for routine office visits and adjustments. If LAP-BAND insurance coverage is not available, you can evaluate Griffin Bariatrics’ financing and cash-pay plans for Connecticut weight loss surgery patients.

We will work with you to help you decide on your payment options and a long-term plan personalized just for you.

LAP-BAND Patient Concerns

Like any other surgery, LAP-BAND surgery has risks but they are less frequent than with some of the other weight loss procedures. The following symptoms could be an indication of lap band complications:

• Eating with difficulty
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Not losing or gaining weight

If one or more of these symptoms occur, you should call Dr. Ehrlich as you could have one of the following problems:

• Stomach slippage, where the stomach slips through the band
• Stomach blockage, where the opening between the upper and the lower part of the stomach created by the band is blocked
• Band erosion, where the band erodes the stomach tissue
• Band leakage, where the saline solution leaks from the band or the parts used for adjustments.

To learn more about LAP-BAND surgery at Griffin Bariatrcs, our surgeon Dr. Timothy Ehrlich, or our follow-up and support services, register for one of our free weight loss seminars today.