Lap band surgery is a type of bariatric surgery in which the surgeon places a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold. Lap band surgery is performed through several small incisions, using a tube-like instrument with a camera and surgical tools attached (laparoscope). This surgery is performed to help obese patients (body mass index > 40 kg/m2) with weight loss when lifestyle changes have not been sufficient.
| National Minimum Price | $6,800 | (Bristol, TN) |
| National Average Price | $11,050 | |
| National Maximum Price | $18,700 | (Bristol, TN) |
| Price Range | |
|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $5,400 - $14,900 |
| Tampa, FL Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $5,300 - $14,400 |
| Boston, MA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $8,800 - $24,100 |
| St. Louis, MO Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $5,900 - $16,100 |
| San Francisco, CA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $8,100 - $22,100 |
| Denver, CO Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $6,000 - $16,500 |
| Minneapolis, MN Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $7,500 - $20,500 |
| San Diego, CA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $7,500 - $20,500 |
| Seattle, WA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $6,100 - $16,700 |
| Detroit, MI Lap Band Surgery Cost Average | $5,300 - $14,500 |
| Name | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Walton Beach Medical Center | Fort Walton Beach , FL | $4,900 - $13,300 |
| Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center | Fresno , CA | $6,800 - $18,600 |
| Community Hospital of San Bernardino | San Bernardino , CA | $9,200 - $25,100 |
| Crouse Hospital | Syracuse , NY | $6,000 - $16,500 |
| Randolph Hospital | Asheboro , NC | $5,300 - $14,500 |
| Southeast Georgia Health System - Brunswick Campus | Brunswick , GA | $14,100 - $38,800 |
| Johnson City Specialty Hospital | Johnson City , TN | $4,200 - $11,600 |
| Gulf Coast Medical Center | Biloxi , MS | $4,500 - $12,400 |
| Mercy Medical Center | Springfield , MA | $6,000 - $16,500 |
| Deaconess Hospital | Evansville , IN | $5,400 - $14,800 |
| Greenwich Hospital | Greenwich , CT | $7,300 - $20,000 |
| The Westerly Hospital | Westerly , RI | $7,800 - $21,400 |
| Bellevue Woman's Hospital | Niskayuna , NY | $4,900 - $13,400 |
| Adcare Hospital of Worcester | Worcester , MA | $6,900 - $18,800 |
| Parkridge Medical Center | Chattanooga , TN | $5,100 - $13,800 |
| St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center | Phoenix , AZ | $14,600 - $39,900 |
| Florida State Hospital | Chattahoochee , FL | $4,800 - $13,200 |
| Feather River Hospital | Paradise , CA | $6,700 - $18,200 |
| Floyd Medical Center | Rome , GA | $13,400 - $36,800 |
| SCA Nashville Surgery Center | Nashville , TN | $4,400 - $12,000 |
| Clarian West Medical Center | Avon , IN | $7,600 - $20,900 |
| Uab Medical West | Bessemer , AL | $5,900 - $16,200 |
| Emanuel Medical Center | Turlock , CA | $7,800 - $21,400 |
| Memorial Hospital and Manor | Bainbridge , GA | $13,700 - $37,700 |
| Shasta Regional Medical Center | Redding , CA | $8,400 - $22,900 |
| Holy Spirit Hospital | Camp Hill , PA | $5,700 - $15,500 |
| Physicians Regional Medical Center - Pine Ridge | Naples , FL | $5,100 - $14,000 |
| Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital & Health Center | Nogales , AZ | $39,600 - $108,900 |
| Stephens County Hospital | Toccoa , GA | $13,600 - $37,400 |
| North Carrier Surgicenter | Grand Prairie , TX | $4,100 - $11,100 |
Lap Band Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction
Lap band surgery (LAGB) is a laparoscopic procedure performed through several small incisions, using a tube-like instrument with a camera and surgical tools attached (laparoscope). This surgery is performed to help obese patients (body mass index > 40 kg/m2) with weight loss when lifestyle changes have not been successful. Many bariatric surgeons will want their patients to commit to making healthy lifestyle changes before scheduling their surgery.
Lap band surgeries are performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility by a general surgeon who has expertise in bariatric surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon will place an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, restricting the size of the stomach and the amount of food it can hold.
Typically, lap band patients are able to go home the same day, but if complications occur during the procedure, the patient may be admitted to the hospital. Laparoscopic surgery is often associated with a lower rate of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and better cosmetic results than open surgery that is performed through one or more large incisions.
Patient Preparation for Lap Band Surgery
Before the lap band procedure, you'll go through a physical examination along with blood or other diagnostic tests. It is particularly important to tell your physician of all medications or vitamins you take regularly. You should also let your doctor know if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant) or you have any heart, lung, or other medical conditions that may need special attention. Finally, they'll need to know if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you're taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting.
Your doctor may suggest weight loss of five to 10 percent prior to surgery for best results. They will give you instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You won't be able to drive yourself home after surgery, so you'll need to make arrangements for transportation after the procedure is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.
What to Expect During and After Lap Band Surgery
Lap band surgeries are done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Before the procedure starts, an intravenous line will be inserted into your arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Throughout the entire surgery, your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen level will be monitored for potential problems.
During the procedure, the surgeon will make three to five inch-long incisions in the abdomen. They will operate through these incisions to place the lap band around the upper area of the stomach and attach it with sutures. A port—through which saline is inserted or removed to adjust the band—is then attached to the wall of the abdomen.
The surgery takes one to two hours, but the preparation and recovery time may add several hours. After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once you're alert and your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable, you will be discharged to your home. Most patients go home the same day as the surgery if there are no major problems.
Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on physical activity, and recommendations to help you heal quickly during your recovery. If you notice any complications, such as fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding, or worsening pain, call the number the hospital gave you.
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