Lap Band | International Patient Facilitators

LAP BAND

International Patient Facilitators and the Bariatric Team of Dr. Sergio Verboonen in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico are World Leaders in Gastric Band (Lap Band) procedures and our surgical team are considered on of the most qualified surgical teams for this procedure. Our Chief Surgeon is not only one of the most qualified lap band surgeons he is also considered on of the most experienced.

The Lap Band Surgery is a minimally invasive laparoscopic medical method to assist with the fight of chronic obesity. It involves surgically implanting a device inside the body. The device consists of a hollow silicone band, tubing and an access port. This procedure takes from 20 to 30 minutes in the operating room and is considered on of the least invasive of the bariatric procedures performed in Mexico.

During Lap Band Surgery or Gastric Banding, a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This separation physically reduces the size of the stomach to hold very small quantities of food. The restricted opening between the stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach controls the speed of food that passes from the pouch. This minimizes the amount of food that can be eaten at a time: and also takes more time to digest whatever food you have eaten.

The passage can be made wider by deflating the lap band. This causes the food to pass more quickly. This adjustment is made possible be adding or removing the fluid inside the hollow lap band through a small button-like part called the access port that is placed under the skin in a muscle in the abdomen wall. This access port is connected to the lap band by tubing.

During this surgery, a lap band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, dividing it into a small pouch that holds a smaller amount of food and a larger lower stomach. The degree of band tightness affects how much food a person can eat and as a result, they eat less, feel full sooner and feel satisfied longer.

The lap band is inserted using a laparoscopic technique which is considered minimally invasive. Patients are under general anesthesia during the procedure and it is considered to be a safe and effective way to maintain and to achieve a healthier weight without cutting or stapling the stomach.

When patients lose weight, the band fit will change and lap band adjustments will be made to keep them on track to meet their weight loss goals.

The lap band procedure is very popular because it was designed for long-term use and the surgery does not change the anatomy of the stomach. The band can also be removed at any time if desired.

Lap Band results are very encouraging. It has been reported that after three years of the surgery the average weight loss was 36% of a patient’s excess weight. About 50% of the patients lost at least one-fourth of their excess weight and some results have shown the loss of over 75%.

This surgery is very safe and has very minimal mortality risk compared to other obesity surgeries that are more invasive. It does not affect nutritional intake. It allows for adjustments without additional surgery. It is very helpful during pregnancy as it allows increase intake size needed for extra nutrition. It also facilitates adjustments suitable to each individual.

The best feature of the Lap-Band is that it is reversible. The Gastric Band can be removed at any time and stomach generally restores its original shape. This surgery is very suitable for people looking for a long-term weight loss.

International Patient Facilitators is a leading provider of bariatric procedures, utilizing the latest treatment techniques and technologies to help patients to achieve their weight loss goals. In addition to Lap-Band surgery, Dr. Verboonen performs Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Gastric Bypass surgery in Mexico.