What is Gastric Banding?

Gastric banding is known by several different names including laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, Realize Band and the Lap-Band System. This is another type of weight loss surgery that is gaining in popularity. This surgery involved putting a silicone band that is outfitted with an inflatable inner collar around the upper part of the stomach. This will restrict food intake by creating a very small pouch for food. The passage that is created will slow the emptying of food and will help you feel fuller for a longer amount of time. The main advantage about the gastric band is that it can be adjusted and it can even be removed if necessary.

Because the gastric banding surgery is done laparoscopically, only very small incisions are needed, reducing the amount of scarring. Healing time is comparably faster and the surgery only takes about an hour to complete. Many patients prefer this method of weight loss surgery because it can be done on an outpatient basis, meaning that you are in and out in one day.

The gastric banding system has become so popular that there are many centers such as the Obesity Surgery Center of Louisiana and the Texas Center for Obesity Surgery Center that focuses on offering this type of surgery...

The cost of a gastric banding surgery can vary a great deal. You can expect that it will cost about $16,000 to $32,000. Some insurance companies will cover some or part of the surgery and just like the bypass surgeries, they will not cover plastic surgery procedures and follow up care. The Lap-band and Realize band will cost about the same.

The price that you are charged will depend on where you live and where you go to have the procedure done. It will also depend on how long you will have to stay in the hospital after the procedure is done.