Patient Journey

From beginning to end, the journey for our Long Island and Port Jefferson, NY patients undergoing bariatric care is full of changes. It will require persistence and discipline, but in the end it is all worth it. Feel free to learn more about the patient journey.

How Does Lap-Band Surgery Work?

During your Lap-Band surgery in New York or NJ, the band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food.

The narrowed opening between the stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach controls how quickly food passes from the pouch to the lower part of the stomach.

The system helps the patient eat less by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and increasing the time it takes for food to be digested.

Depending on the patient’s needs, the tightness of the band can be adjusted in size by inflating or deflating the hollow band. Inflating the band makes the opening smaller, causing food to pass more slowly. Deflating the band makes it wider, and causes food to pass more quickly. This adjustment is made by adding or removing fluid inside the hollow band. This is done in the office. The doctor does this by injecting or removing the fluid through a small button-like part called the access port. This access port is placed under the skin in a muscle in the chest wall. The port is connected to the band by the tubing. Learn about the adjustments of the band post-op below.

Banner media

Benefits of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Lap-Band NYC

What Is Sils?

When a surgeon uses the SILS technique, it means they make one small incision in the belly button. This results in a surgery that is virtually scarless. Single incision, Lap Band, and sleeve gastrectomy surgery generally involve less pain and little or no scarring. The actual operation is the same as it is during a typical laparoscopic band or sleeve gastrectomy. The difference is just in the number of incisions made. Since there is no need to cut through the stomach muscle, recovery time is shorter. SILS is different from a typical laparoscopic Lap Band or gastric sleeve because in those operations our New Jersey and NYC Lap-Band surgeons generally make about 5 small incisions. Although these operations are also considered minimally invasive and the scars are quite small, SILS gives an even more advanced option, which includes an often unnoticeable, single scar on the belly button.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

Lap Band New Jersey

5 Port “Older Way ” for Gastric Band Surgery

Lap-Band in New York

Single Port “New York Bariatric Group” Technique for Gastric Banding and Sleeve Gastrectomy

Why Do We Offer Sils?

We offer SILS for our Lap-Band in New York City and New Jersey, because we believe a comprehensive weight loss surgery practice should provide patients with a wide range of choices for treating obesity. Thanks to the combination of our expertise, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled skills, we have achieved successful SILS gastric band and gastric sleeve results time and time again, and we can deliver these same results to you.

Dr. Shawn Garber was one of the first surgeons in the US to use the Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery approach for Lap Band surgery. Seeing the level of success and patient satisfaction, he then adapted this technique for laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery as well. Our surgeons are at the forefront of this new technology. SILS minimally invasive gastric banding and gastric sleeve, offered by New York Bariatric Group, are amazingly innovative solutions for bariatric surgery.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (SILS)

Advantages Of Lap-Band Surgery

Gastric banding is the most simple of the bariatric surgery options, and leads to the smallest number of complications. Our Manhattan LAP-BAND patients often return to work in just a week or two. Another advantage of this weight loss treatment is that the band is adjustable. This means that the surgeon can change the level of fluid in your band at a quick office visit. Adding fluid makes the band tighter, and removing fluid makes the band looser. Each patient is different, so as time goes on you will work with our team and can call the office any time your band feels too loose or too full.

Banner media

Reversible Procedures

Another advantage of the band is that it is reversible. Although the band is meant to stay in place permanently, if there are side effects or other reasons to remove it, this is an option. No cutting or stapling is done, and the anatomy of the body is not changed at all when the gastric band is put in place. The LAP-BAND also does not have a malabsorption risk, like other procedures. When part of the stomach is removed or the intestines are rerouted, patients’ bodies absorb fewer nutrients which can lead to negative health consequences, especially if they do not follow their vitamin and supplement routine. Because the LAP-BAND has no risk of malabsorption, there would be no extra vitamin deficiencies to worry about.

Adjustable Gastric Banding - The Lap-Band Procedure

When Is It Used?

Gastric banding is used for weight loss in obese adults for whom non-surgical weight loss methods have not been successful. They must be willing to make major changes in their eating habits and lifestyle. Patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or be at least 60 - 70 pounds overweight.

What Will Surgery Accomplish?

LAP-BAND surgery may help the patient lose weight. In the U.S. study, the average weight loss was 36% of a patient’s excess weight three years after the device was implanted. More than half of the patients lost at least 25% of their excess weight; some patients lost over 75%, but some lost no weight.

Background media

Cost Of A Lap-Band Surgery

The cost of LAP-BAND surgery in Port Jefferson, NY can vary widely and is based on a number of factors, including the health of the patient and insurance coverage.

Having LAP-BAND surgery at a surgical center is often less expensive than having the procedure at a hospital.

After the LAP-BAND surgery, patients are monitored by a nutritionist to ensure they are able to eat healthily, and this is factored into the cost as well. LAP-BAND surgery is often covered or partially covered by most insurance companies, and this greatly reduces the cost to you personally. Please check with your insurance provider to determine your specific benefit.

BMI Calculator

What is your height?

ft
in

What is your weight?

lbs

Your BMI is

Note: A BMI of 30 – 34.9 or BMI 35 – 39.9 with no comorbidities qualify for lap band but is usually not covered by insurance.

Lap-Band Risks

Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, and slippage of the band. The most serious side effects may require either another operation or hospitalization.

Because of the LAP-BAND design, it can be tempting to ‘cheat’ on your diet. Foods like chocolate or ice cream are easy to eat with the band, so it is important that patients commit to the eating changes that complement the surgery in order for it to be successful. It is also possible for food to get stuck if you take bites that are too big or do not chew your food very carefully. This can be uncomfortable and require adjustment of the band. Patients must be mindful of eating carefully with the band.

Some side effects are managed in follow up visits, but the most serious side effects may require either another operation or hospitalization. There are risks to the gastric band, just like there are with any surgical procedure. These risks include prolapse, pouch dilatation, band erosion, infection of the band, or port leak.

When Should It Not Be Used?

An adjustable band procedure should not be used for people who are poor candidates for weight loss surgery, have certain stomach or intestinal disorders, have an infection, have to take aspirin frequently, or are addicted to alcohol or drugs. It should not be used on patients who are not able or willing to follow the rules for eating and exercise that are recommended by the doctor after surgery.

Surgery Advantages

  • Keyhole approach. Less scarring or wound problems. Earlier return to work (1-2 weeks)
  • Adjustable: by filling the port the outlet size can be reduced
  • Reversible: By removing fluid or the band.
  • No malabsorption
  • Lower risk

Surgery Disadvantages

  • Easy to cheat if chocolates or sweets taken
  • Mechanical problems
    • prolapse
    • pouch dilatation
    • food bolus obstruction
    • slippage of the stomach through the band erosion
    • infection of the band or port leak

Usual weight loss is 50-60% of excess weight loss in 2 yrs.

Banner media

To find out more about Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Please visit: 

Or please feel free to contact or call the New York Bariatric Group at 800-633-THIN to ask any questions.

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

Listen to Robert’s testimonial

Samantha

Lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

Lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Listen to Brittany’s testimonial

Desiree

Lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

BMI Calculator

What is your height?

ft
in

What is your weight?

lbs

Your BMI is

Note: A BMI of 30 – 34.9 or BMI 35 – 39.9 with no comorbidities qualify for lap band but is usually not covered by insurance.

Contact us media

© New York Bariatric Group. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 1-800-633-THIN.
Contact Us