A Less Invasive Weight Loss Surgery

Lehigh Valley Hospital introduces LAP-BAND^®

Lighter and healthier

Ross chose to have Lap Band surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital in 2007 to lose weight and combat the diabetes and acid reflux caused by his obesity. Now 70 pounds lighter, he entertains audiences as Ross the Mentalist, reading minds and making predictions. But Ross says there’s no magic to keeping him healthy. He walks on the treadmill every day and eats his meals slowly to keep his slim 34-inch waist.

Learn More About Weight Loss with LAP-BAND Surgery

Attend a FREE information session. Call 887-LVH-NEWU to register.

If you’re thinking about weight loss surgery, you have a new option. Minimally invasive LAP-BAND surgery is now available at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

This personalized approach to weight loss has fewer risks and side effects than traditional gastric bypass surgery. It is considered the least invasive surgery because it requires no cutting, stapling or re-routing of the stomach. You must be at least 18 years old to be considered for the surgery.

What is it and how does it work?

The name LAP-BAND is short for two words, laparoscopic and band. Laparoscopic is the type of surgery performed through small incisions, also known as minimally invasive surgery. The band is a silicone band fastened around the upper part of your stomach. The band is filled with salt water and can be adjusted like a belt so you feel full faster. The band is then connected to a port just under your skin. This allows your surgeon to adjust the band anytime after your surgery until it is a perfect fit for you.

Why would it need to be adjusted?

Adjustments are a normal part of the LAP-BAND System. The goal is for you not to feel hungry between meals. Every person is different. If you find you are getting hungry between meals, your surgeon can adjust the LAP-BAND to limit the amount of food you can eat.

How does it help me lose weight?

As you know, feeling hungry is one big reason why it’s hard to diet. When your LAP-BAND System is properly adjusted, you won’t feel hungry all the time. You’ll feel full faster and stay full longer, so you’ll eat less and lose weight in a natural way.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

If you follow the recommended diet and exercise programs, you can expect a gradual, steady weight loss — about 1 to 2 pounds per week over the first year. If you continue with your new eating and exercise habits, you can expect to continue to lose more weight.

The key to your success is a lifetime commitment to a healthy lifestyle. You will need to learn new eating habits and commit to regular exercise. But you don’t have to go it alone. The Weight Management Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital will provide education before and after surgery and support your need to create healthy new habits to go with your new body.

Will surgery help my medical conditions?

Weight loss can improve, prevent and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, sleep apnea, acid reflux and heart disease, and has also been shown to help infertility.

Is LAP-BAND new?

300,000 people worldwide have already had LAP-BAND surgery. But it has not been available in the Lehigh Valley until now. Bariatric surgeon Richard Boorse, M.D., has completed special training so he can offer this option to you.

How is LAP-BAND different from gastric bypass surgery?

The most obvious difference is that the band can be adjusted after surgery. It’s a more personalized approach to weight loss surgery.

Because LAP-BAND surgery is minimally invasive, the scars are minimal compared to open gastric bypass surgery. Patients usually have less pain, shorter hospital stays and a shorter recovery period.

There is a low risk of the nutritional deficiencies that are associated with gastric bypass, and less risk of hair loss.

Is LAP-BAND surgery covered by insurance?

Yes, most insurance plans cover this surgery if you are medically qualified. Of course, you should always check with your plan first.

Is LAP-BAND a good choice for me?

Only a weight loss surgeon can say for sure. You might be a candidate if you have not been able to lose weight with diet, exercise or diet drugs and:

• You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• You have a BMI of 35 or higher and have a health risk associated with obesity, such as diabetes or heart disease
• You are at least 100 pounds over your ideal weight

If you don’t know your BMI, click here to calculate it.

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