Experience the Highest Standard of Bariatric Surgery at NYBG

As a recognized Center of Excellence, we uphold the highest safety, innovation, and personalized care standards. Our comprehensive, multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing proven, science-backed solutions tailored to your unique needs. With a track record of successful outcomes and a commitment to compassionate, expert-led care, we empower you to achieve lasting weight loss and better health. We’re here to provide lap band surgery to patients in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey. Take the first step toward transformation–schedule your consultation today.

How Does Lap Band Surgery Help You Lose Weight?

The lap band procedure reduces the amount of food your stomach can hold, helping you feel full with smaller portions. By placing an adjustable band around the upper stomach, this surgery creates a small pouch that slows digestion and limits food intake.

The pouch regulates hunger signals, aiding healthier eating habits. The adjustable band tailors your weight loss journey by controlling food flow through inflation or deflation with saline. This flexibility supports a personalized approach to long-term weight management.

Many patients experience significant weight loss after lap band surgery in NYC, averaging 36% of their excess weight lost within three years. With a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, patients can achieve lasting improvements in health, confidence, and quality of life.

Video: Benefits of Laparoscopic Lap Band Surgery

Video: Benefits of Laparoscopic Lap Band Surgery

Lap Band Benefits

The benefits of the lap band in New York or any of our other locations searving Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey or Connecticut include the following:

  • The lap band can be removed if necessary, preserving natural anatomy without cutting or rerouting the digestive system
  • The digestive tract remains intact, allowing for normal nutrient absorption and reducing the risk of vitamin deficiencies
  • There are fewer surgical complications compared to more invasive weight loss procedures, making it a safe option
  • Faster recovery time means most patients resume daily activities within one to two weeks
  • Surgery is usually done in an outpatient setting, allowing same-day discharge for recovery at home
  • The adjustable band lets patients tailor their progress based on their goals and needs, with quick office adjustments
  • Fewer dietary restrictions mean a more flexible diet makes it easier to maintain long-term lifestyle changes
  • No intestinal rerouting means patients avoid the nausea and rapid heart rate associated with dumping syndrome

What is Lap Band Surgery?

Lap Band surgery, also known as adjustable gastric banding, is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure designed to help patients lose excess weight by controlling food intake. The procedure involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. This limits the amount of food that can be consumed and helps patients feel full more quickly, promoting portion control and gradual weight loss.

One of the key benefits of Lap Band surgery is its adjustability. The band can be tightened or loosened over time to accommodate a patient’s weight loss progress, ensuring long-term success. Unlike more invasive surgeries, Lap Band surgery does not require stomach removal or alteration, and it is a reversible procedure. Patients can expect to experience significant weight loss and improved health conditions, such as lower blood pressure and better management of diabetes.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Lap Band Surgery?

  • Lap band surgery is ideal for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Candidates for this procedure typically meet the following criteria:
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher or are at least 60-70 pounds overweight
  • Have made repeated attempts at weight loss through non-surgical methods without long-term success
  • Are committed to making lasting lifestyle changes, including adopting healthier eating habits and regular exercise
  • Do not have medical conditions that would prevent them from safely undergoing surgery
  • Are willing to attend follow-up appointments for band adjustments and ongoing support

Weight Loss Calculator

Current Weight:

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Clinical estimates based on research and NYBG patient experiences

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS): A Virtually Scarless Option.

Single Single-incision laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is an advanced surgical technique that allows for a virtually scarless procedure by using just one small incision in the belly button.

Unlike traditional laparoscopic weight loss surgeries that typically require five small incisions, SILS minimizes scarring while offering the same effective results. This technique is used for both lap band and gastric sleeve procedures, making recovery faster and reducing post-operative discomfort since no stomach muscle is cut.

At New York Bariatric Group, we offer SILS because we believe in providing our patients with the most advanced, least invasive options for achieving lasting weight loss. Dr. Shawn Garber was one of the first bariatric surgeons in the U.S. to adopt this technique for lap band surgery and later expanded its use for gastric sleeve procedures.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation & Preparation

Your journey starts with a consultation with our bariatric surgeons to assess your medical history and determine if lap band surgery in NYC is right for you.

In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you may need to follow a pre-surgical diet to prepare your body.

Our team will guide you on nutrition, hydration, and what to expect on surgery day.

Procedure

Lap band surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed laparoscopically. This means:

  • Small incisions are made, often using the SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) technique for a virtually scarless result
  • A soft, adjustable band is placed around the upper stomach, creating a small pouch to restrict food intake
  • The band is connected to a small access port placed under the skin, allowing future adjustments as needed
  • The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and most patients return home the same day to recover in comfort

Recovery and Results

For the first 24-48 hours, you will be placed on a liquid diet to allow your stomach to heal. Most patients experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications.

After one to two weeks, you can return to work and resume normal daily activities, following dietary guidelines provided by our team.

For the first few months, you will have follow-up visits to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the band for optimal weight loss.

In the long term, you will continue to work with our nutritionists, support team, and medical experts to ensure sustainable, healthy weight loss.

Why Choose NYBG for Your LAP-BAND® Experience?

At New York Bariatric Group (NYBG), we are a nationally recognized Center of Excellence in weight loss surgery, emphasizing safety, expertise, and long-term success. Our board-certified bariatric surgeons, with decades of specialized experience, utilize advanced techniques like Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) for scarless and effective surgical expertise. Our team also trains other bariatric specialists and contributes to advancements in obesity treatment. What sets NYBG apart is our comprehensive, patient-first approach. From your initial consultation to post-surgical aftercare, we offer multidisciplinary support, including registered dietitians, bariatric psychologists, and dedicated weight loss coaches to ensure lasting results.

Unlike many programs that focus solely on the procedure itself, our practice is built around long-term success, providing customized follow-up care, nutritional counseling, and band adjustments to help you maintain steady, sustainable weight loss. With over 30 locations across New York City, NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey (NJ), we make expert bariatric care accessible, convenient, and tailored to your needs.

Don’t wait to take control of your health–schedule your consultation today and start your journey toward lasting weight loss with New York’s leading bariatric experts.

Lap-Band FAQ

How long does the lap band last?

The lap band is designed to be a long-term weight loss solution and can remain in place indefinitely as long as it functions properly and does not cause complications. Some patients choose to keep it for life, while others may have it removed if they reach their goal weight or require a different weight loss approach.

How soon after surgery can I eat solid food?

After lap band surgery, patients follow a structured dietary progression. Initially, they eat liquids for about two weeks, followed by pureed and soft foods. Most patients can begin eating solid food about four to six weeks after surgery, following their surgeon’s guidance.

Can the lap band stretch my stomach over time?

If patients consistently overeat or fail to follow portion guidelines, the stomach pouch above the band may stretch, reducing the procedure’s effectiveness. Regular follow-ups and adjustments help maintain proper restriction and prevent stretching.

Can I get pregnant after lap band surgery?

Yes, lap band surgery is safe for women who plan to become pregnant. Many women find that weight loss improves fertility. The band can be adjusted during pregnancy to accommodate nutritional needs. We recommend discussing pregnancy plans with your surgeon before or after the procedure.

Will I need to take vitamins after surgery?

Unlike other bariatric procedures that cause malabsorption, the lap band allows for normal nutrient absorption. However, maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential, and some patients may still benefit from a daily multivitamin to ensure optimal nutrition.

Can I drink carbonated beverages with the lap band?

It is generally recommended to avoid carbonated drinks after lap band surgery. They can cause discomfort, bloating, and increased pressure on the stomach pouch, which may affect the band’s function. Water and non-carbonated, low-calorie beverages are best.

What are the risks of lap band surgery?

While lap band surgery is considered one of the safest bariatric procedures, there are potential risks, as with any surgery. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and discomfort after eating. More serious complications, though rare, may include band slippage, pouch dilation, infection, port leakage, or band erosion. If complications arise, some patients may require additional procedures to adjust or remove the band.

At New York Bariatric Group, our expert surgeons closely monitor patients throughout their journey, providing ongoing support, adjustments, and medical guidance to ensure the safest and most effective outcome.