Lap Band Zone

When it comes to weight loss surgery, the most popular type is definitely the lap band surgery, which is known as the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure. This type of surgery generally costs around $20,000 - $28,000 in the United States, around $18,000 in Canada, and anywhere between $6,000 - $14,000 in Mexico or India.

Another type of weighty loss surgery is the gastric bypass surgery, which is similar to the lap band procedure in terms of creating a small upper pouch in the stomach, but with the gastric bypass surgery the small intestines are rearranged in order to allow both pouches to stay connected to it. Some of the more popular forms of gastric bypass surgery include the Roux en-Y (proximal) and the Roux en-Y (distal) gastric bypass as well as the Loop gastric bypass (mini-gastric bypass). The gastric bypass surgery cost is estimated to be between $28,000 - $32,000 from online resources and our research.

One of the main advantages, besides the fact that it is a much safer percentage as the fatality rate associated with the lap band surgery is significantly lower than with the gastric bypass surgery, is that you get to keep your doctor bills and surgery costs down a bit with the lap band surgery as opposed to the gastric bypass surgery.

When it comes down to finding a weight loss surgery that is right for you, it’s best to consult with your doctors but also do a lot of online research as there are great lap band resources such as Lap Band Talk as well as other weight loss surgery discussion forums where people share their stories that you may benefit from.

Pursuing any form of surgical help can be unnerving, especially for something as important as your health. While the Lap-Band® System is the safest weight loss surgery on the market, it is still an overwhelming process, and you may be nervous, and unsure of what to expect. This is especially true if you are obese, and have been on the long journey of weight loss attempts that have led you here, to the final step.

Now knowing what to do next is perfectly natural, as is your fear, but it can be nice to know what you are getting into, and what you are likely to experience as you set off on your new life, both before, and after, your gastric band.

Here are a few things to expect as you prepare for your surgery:

Getting Started

One of the hardest steps is the first one: talking to your doctor. Perhaps you are nervous about bringing the subject of surgery up, or even embarrassed, but there is no way to begin this journey if you don’t first make it clear that you are ready to embark.

You will want to specify which surgery you are most interested in, so be sure to let your doctor know that you want to get a Lap-Band®, and not the more dangerous Gastric Bypass. You should discuss with him/her the methods you have tried before to lose weight, and about how they have been unsuccessful up until this point.

Also, you may be asked to attend a seminar so be sure to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, life after the procedure, their methods of treatment, if they offer post-op exams, and any concerns you may have about the risks involved. The more open you are with your physician, the easier the process will be.

Your Financial Options

Most bariatric clinics will have a financial counselor you can speak to, that will direct you in the best financial options for paying for your Lap-Band® operation. In most cases, the cost of the Lap-Band® is $15,000, plus the cost of co-op visits, medication, and consultations. Insurance may cover all, or part of this expense, which is something you should take up with your advisor.

Any costs you are responsible for out-of-pocket can be covered in many ways, from charging it to a high-balance credit card, paying a portion and giving installments to the clinic, taking out a loan, or taking out a medically based loan from a company that specializes in these matters.

The Lap-Band® Procedure

The surgery itself only takes around an hour, and the risks involved are low, especially in comparison to other weight loss surgeries. It’s usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and so most will be allowed to leave the clinic the same day.

Recovery will take about a week or so, but most patients stop using pain medication with four days, and take it easy as their body grows accustomed to the gastric band. You will have regular post-op exams to make sure you are progressing normally, and that there are no problems or infections.

One of the most successful lap band stories has been the story of CIBO clinic founder Tom Saridis. Tom’s story is truly amazing; he had the lap band surgery and in total lost over 260 pounds! Then, as a result of being dissatisfied with the lack of post surgery support, he went on to found one of the most successful lap band clinics in Canada!!

Below is a video of Tom’s amazing story!

The video is pretty short but it talks a bit about Tom’s story and his CIBO clinic and then goes on to describe what the lap band surgery is and how it can help people struggling with obesity. It’s a really interesting video so be sure to check it out!