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Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Specialist

SurgiThin -  - Bariatric Surgeon

SurgiThin

Bariatric Surgeon located in West Hills, San Fernando Valley, CA

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a reversible type of bariatric surgery associated with significant weight loss. Dr. paya and the team at SurgiThin use state-of-the-art techniques for gastric banding surgery to help men and women from West Hills, CA, and throughout the San Fernando Valley region lose weight and avoid weight-related health risks.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Q & A

What is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding?

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, or LAGB, is a type of bariatric surgery that uses a small, adjustable band placed over the top portion of the stomach, separating the stomach into two sections - a larger section and a smaller section. When food is consumed, it travels to the small portion, which serves as the “new” stomach, helping patients feel fuller faster so less food is consumed. As the patient's needs change, the band can be adjusted through a small port near the surface of the skin, either expanding or shrinking the size of the smaller stomach portion to control the amount of food that can be consumed. Another name for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is "Lap-band" surgery, a name derived from a proprietary product used in the surgery.

Is LAGB a good choice for all patients?

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a good choice for many patients, but especially for very obese patients for whom dieting and other weight-loss plans have failed to produce adequate weight loss. Generally speaking, LAGB is recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40, or for patients with a BMI between 35 and 40 who also have weight-related medical issues like high blood pressure, heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

How is the adjustable gastric banding procedure performed?

The procedure uses a laparoscopic technique, a minimally-invasive approach to surgery that relies on small incisions and uses special instruments designed to operate through these smaller openings. During the procedure, several small incisions will be made in the belly to enable the laparoscope and instruments to enter. The scope uses a very small camera to capture images during the procedure, sending them back to a monitor where they can be viewed by the surgeon. The gastric band will be placed over the stomach and secured to create the two sections, then the port will be placed under the skin. Most surgeries take an hour or less to complete.

Accepted Insurance Plans

We are pleased to be able to accept all PPO insurance plans (e.g. Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Healthnet, etc.) that cover weight loss surgery. Patients with PPO insurance can see us without needing a referral or prior authorization. We also accept some HMO insurance plans. Patients with HMO insurance will need to first consult with their primary care physician to obtain a referral to see us. To learn if your health insurance coverage will pay for your surgery, and what your insurance authorization requirements are, please call our office or send us an online contact form.

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Health Net
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare (except United Community Care Plan)