Pasco Regional Medical Center Pioneers LAP-BAND Surgery
If you are overweight and tired of how obesity controls your life, you need to know there is hope. In October 2002, bariatric surgeons at Pasco Regional Medical Center were a few of the first to perform the LAP-BAND surgery for weight loss. To date, more than 800 LAP-BAND procedures have been performed at our hospital. In addition, Pasco Regional Medical Center is ranked among the top 5% of hospitals in the nation and has earned a five star rating for General Surgery. It was our general and bariatric surgeons who pioneered and trained other general surgeons around the country in gastric banding (a.k.a., the LAP-BAND).
The LAP-BAND system is the least invasive, safest surgical option for weight loss available today. It is the only adjustable surgical option for customized weight loss and is completely reversible.
Pasco Regional Medical Center Offers Free Weight Loss Surgery Seminars
If you are contemplating weight loss surgery, it is important to get the facts first. Pasco Regional Medical Center understands the importance of making educated choices and is pleased to present free weight loss seminars about the LAP-BAND procedure. These LAP-BAND seminars are designed to help you get answers to your questions. LAP-BAND seminars are held monthly at Pasco Regional Medical Center in our education center and reservations are required. Every guest receives an educational packet to include a BMI calculation chart. For LAP-BAND seminar dates, times and registration information, please visit our Events section of this Web site or call (352) 518-1090 or toll free (888) 848-ROSE (888-848-7673).
Got Questions? Get Answers About Bariatric Surgery.
- Who performs the LAP-BAND procedure?
- What is the difference between Gastric Bypass and the LAP-BAND procedure?
- Which bariatric surgery is the least invasive?
- How many bariatric procedures has the surgeon performed?
- How much does it cost and will my insurance cover it?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- When will I see results?
- When will I be able to return to work or everyday responsibilities?
- What changes will I need to make to my lifestyle and eating habits?
The LAP-BAND System Advantage
Minimal Trauma
- Least invasive surgical option
- No intestinal re-routing
- No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
- Small incisions and minimal scarring
- Reduced patient pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period
Fewer Risks and Side Effects
- Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
- Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
- Reduced risk of hair loss
- No "dumping syndrome" related to dietary intake restrictions
Adjustable
- Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss rate
- Adjustments performed without additional surgery
- Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs
Reversible
- Removable at any time
- Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and functions
How Does the LAP-BAND Work?
LAP-BAND induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.
During the LAP-BAND procedure, bariatric surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the LAP-BAND is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.
Am I A Candidate For The LAP-BAND?
You may be eligible for the LAP-BAND System if:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You weigh at least twice your ideal weight or at least 100 pounds more than your ideal weight.
- You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
- Your serious weight-loss attempts have had only short-term success.
- You are not suffering from any other disease that may have caused your obesity.
- You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle, and to continue being monitored by the specialist treating you.
- You do not drink alcohol in excess.
If you do not meet the weight criteria, you still may be considered for LAP-BAND surgery if you are suffering from serious health problems. Your bariatric surgeon may have additional criteria.
Bariatric Contact Information
For more information about the LAP-BAND procedure, please contact our Bariatric Coordinator at (352) 518-1090 or toll free (888) 848-ROSE (888-848-7673). To attend an upcoming LAP-BAND seminar, please visit our events page for scheduled dates and times.