Lap Band Surgery Cost and Procedure Information

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 Lap Band Surgery Procedure Pricing Summary

National Minimum Price $6,800 (Bristol, TN)
National Average Price $11,050
National Maximum Price $18,700 (Bristol, TN)

Lap Band Surgery Cost Averages Around the Country

Price Range
Tampa, FL Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $5,300 - $14,400
San Diego, CA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $7,500 - $20,500
Denver, CO Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $6,000 - $16,500
Minneapolis, MN Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $7,500 - $20,500
Seattle, WA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $6,100 - $16,700
Baltimore, MD Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $5,400 - $14,900
Boston, MA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $8,800 - $24,100
San Francisco, CA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $8,100 - $22,100
St. Louis, MO Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $5,900 - $16,100
Detroit, MI Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $5,300 - $14,500
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Featured Facilities that Perform Lap Band Surgery

Name Location Price Range
Emanuel Medical Center Turlock , CA $7,800 - $21,400
Martin Memorial Medical Center Stuart , FL $5,400 - $14,700
Gulf Coast Medical Center Biloxi , MS $4,500 - $12,400
Saint Joseph's Hospital Savannah , GA $13,900 - $38,100
Mcleod Medical Center Darlington Darlington , SC $4,700 - $12,900
Uab Medical West Bessemer , AL $5,900 - $16,200
Hamlin Memorial Hospital Hamlin , TX $5,100 - $13,800
Sierra View District Hospital Porterville , CA $5,600 - $15,400
Atlanticare Regional Medical Center - City Campus Atlantic City , NJ $7,200 - $19,600
Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge Baton Rouge , LA $6,000 - $16,500
Pottstown Surgical Center Pottstown , PA $5,500 - $15,100
Summit Ambulatory Surgical Center (Sister Pierre) Towson , MD $4,800 - $13,000
Deaconess Medical Center Spokane , WA $6,600 - $18,000
Central Dupage Hospital Winfield , IL $7,900 - $21,500
Memorial Hospital South Bend , IN $5,500 - $15,000
Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center Globe , AZ $32,800 - $90,000
River Oaks Hospital Flowood , MS $4,800 - $13,200
Yuma Regional Medical Center Yuma , AZ $7,600 - $20,800
York Hospital York , PA $5,500 - $15,000
Florida Hospital Oceanside Ormond Beach , FL $4,700 - $12,800
Saint Joseph Medical Center - Downtown Reading Campus Reading , PA $6,000 - $16,400
Duke Raleigh Hospital Raleigh , NC $5,600 - $15,300
St. Mary's Ambulatory Surgery Center Richmond , VA $4,600 - $12,600
Crouse Hospital Syracuse , NY $6,000 - $16,500
Poudre Valley Hospital Fort Collins , CO $5,800 - $15,900
Randolph Hospital Asheboro , NC $5,300 - $14,500
Physicians Regional Medical Center - Pine Ridge Naples , FL $5,100 - $14,000
Saint Elizabeth Medical Center Lafayette , IN $4,900 - $13,500
Clark Regional Medical Center Winchester , KY $5,400 - $14,700
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Beaufort , SC $4,700 - $12,800

Lap Band Surgery Information & Details

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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