Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND)
Gastric Banding, also known as Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB), is a surgical weight loss procedure that places an inflatable silicone ring implanted laparoscopically over the stomach. Gastric banding aims to restrict food intake and ultimately reduce weight.
This was once the most common bariatric operation in the United States and Canada. However, the lack of long-term weight loss and safety concerns have mostly declined its use. Lap-band could still be a good option for patients who can get after-care support and follow the diet after the procedure.
How Gastric Banding Works
Undergoing Lap Band in Mexico can save patients thousands of dollars while being performed by a certified bariatric surgeon with equal or more experience than United States surgeons. All of Mexico Bariatric Center® qualified weight loss surgeons perform brand-name LAP-BAND surgery in a full-service hospital facility.
Is Gastric Band Right for Me?
Gastric banding surgery is colloquially known by brand names of the implants: Lap-Band System or REALIZE system. Both implants are very similar and use the same surgical method to induce weight loss – a restrictive technique.
With either type of gastric band, you need to be willing and able to make lifelong adjustments in diet, healthy habits, and physical activity/exercise. Healthy eating should begin before the pre-op diet. This helps you make sure you are ready to undergo bariatric surgery and committed. Without building a proper foundation to successfully lose weight, both the lap band and realize band has a higher chance of failure.
LEARN MORE: LAP-BAND System VS REALIZE Band System
Is Lap Band Safe?
The Adjustable Gastric Band was once the former go-to weight loss surgery. New medical advancements have produced better and more efficient methods for treating obesity.
Although the gastric band can promote weight loss and is relatively low risk, modern bariatric surgeries such as a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass are proven to deliver more significant weight loss and overall longevity. Most patients with lap-band have failed to lose weight and have had postoperative complications.
What Does the Adjustable Band Package Include?
The price of AGB in the U.S. and Canada without insurance can easily set you back $12,000 to $15,000. Fortunately, we offer U.S. quality weight loss surgery in Mexico at a fraction of the cost. We eliminate all of the planning and preparation by taking care of everything from the moment you arrive in San Diego to the moment you depart. Ground transportation, hotel stay, and everything in between are covered in our all-inclusive package.
Costs and Pricing of Self-Pay Gastric Banding
Undergoing gastric banding surgery in Mexico can save patients $10,000. Expenses in the United States and Canada will typically range from $15,000 and up. Our costs are consistently below $5,500 and include all the costs associated with the surgery – including the hotel (excludes airfare, if needed). Learn about the cost of gastric banding if you have no insurance.
LAP-BAND® surgery in Tijuana, Mexico costs start at $5,695 at Mexico Bariatric Center which includes all the fees associated with the surgery – including hotel (excludes airfare, if needed)!
Benefits of Lap Band Surgery
Lap band surgery requires a silicon band to constrict the upper part of the stomach, reducing hunger and cravings. This makes it a minimally invasive procedure that is typically done laparoscopically. It is performed on patients with a BMI of 30+ looking to kickstart their weight loss goals. Although it is a beneficial weight loss tool, AGB is a dated bariatric surgery compared to current procedures like the gastric sleeve.
- Gastric banding does not change the digestive tract
- The band is adjustable, allowing your surgeon or physician to alter the tightness of the band
- Gastric banding is reversible
Mexico Bariatric Center® can help save you thousands of dollars on all-inclusive packages for Adjustable Banding surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.
Do I Qualify for Lap Band in Mexico?
To be considered a candidate for gastric banding surgery, patients must meet or exceed a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30+. Patients at least 80 pounds overweight are considered good candidates for gastric banding surgery. Severely obese individuals with a BMI of 45+ are not qualified candidates and should consider gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery.
Calculate Your BMI
Duration and Recovery of Lap Band
The Adjustable Gastric Band is performed laparoscopically, and it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to end. The operation takes about 30 min to 45 min, depending on the surgeon’s skills and experience. We keep lap band patients for two nights in the hospital instead of 1 night (industry average) to reduce complications.
Is Lap Band Surgery Dangerous?
Many of our surgeons do not recommend (nor perform), gastric banding surgery because of too many complications, risks.
Possible difficulties with Gastric Banding include:
- Band Erosion
- Band Slippage
- Poor Weight Loss
Gastric Banding is, however, used to rescue other surgeries like failed RNY Gastric Bypass.
Lap Band Side Effects
- Minor Side Effects: Body aches, feeling tired, feeling cold, dry skin, hair thinning and hair loss, mood changes[4]
- Severe Side Effects: Pneumonia, Blood Clots, and Gallstones
Lap Band Complications
- Short-Term: Bleeding, Leakage (rate of .8%[5])
- Near-Term: Stomach Obstruction, Stricture, or Abdominal Abscess
- Long-Term: Delayed Leak, Malnutrition
* Prices are subject to change. Not valid on blackout dates. Prices depend on surgeon, surgery, additional fees, and schedule. Prices may rise because of BMI level and previous abdominal surgeries.
** All of the testimonials are covered in our disclaimers. Individuals results will vary; there is no guarantee stated nor implied.
Last Updated: January 28, 2020 by Ron Elli, Ph.D.
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