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
Dalton, GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $9,200 - $25,300
Rome, GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $9,200 - $25,200
Waycross, GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $10,200 - $28,000
Americus, GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $14,000 - $38,500
Albany, GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $8,900 - $24,500
Columbus, GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $9,700 - $26,700
Douglas, GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $13,900 - $38,000
Dallas, TX Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $3,400 - $9,300
Augusta-Richmond County (balance), GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $10,300 - $28,200
Savannah, GA Lap Band Surgery Cost Average $13,200 - $36,300
Click to find out more about how to use the pricing information shown on this site.

Featured Facilities that Perform Lap Band Surgery

Name Location Price Range
Certified Providers Price Range
First Baptist Medical Center Dallas , TX $3,400 - $9,300
Providers Price Range
Verde Valley Medical Center Cottonwood , AZ $8,500 - $23,200
Hamilton Medical Center Dalton , GA $12,200 - $33,300
Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Rome , GA $13,400 - $36,800
Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center Globe , AZ $32,800 - $90,000
Albany Surgery Center Albany , GA $7,100 - $19,500
Northwest Medical Center Tucson , AZ $10,200 - $28,100
Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital & Health Center Nogales , AZ $39,600 - $108,900
Kingman Regional Medical Center Kingman , AZ $10,700 - $29,400
Sgmc Health Valdosta , GA $12,500 - $34,300
Wayne Memorial Hospital Jesup , GA $13,300 - $36,500
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham Demorest , GA $12,800 - $35,100
Dorminy Medical Center Fitzgerald , GA $12,100 - $33,100
Forsyth Surgical Center Cumming , GA $6,900 - $18,900
Mount Graham Regional Medical Center Safford , AZ $5,800 - $15,800
Copper Queen Community Hospital Bisbee , AZ $27,800 - $76,500
Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Columbus , GA $13,600 - $37,400
Memorial Hospital and Manor Bainbridge , GA $13,700 - $37,700
Fairview Park Hospital Dublin , GA $13,400 - $36,800
Southern Surgery Center Lagrange , GA $7,100 - $19,400
Memorial Satilla Health Waycross , GA $13,900 - $38,200
Page Hospital Page , AZ $23,200 - $63,700
Upson Regional Medical Center Thomaston , GA $13,300 - $36,500
St Joseph's Hospital - Savannah Savannah , GA $13,900 - $38,100
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Americus , GA $14,000 - $38,500
Trinity Hospital of Augusta Augusta , GA $12,500 - $34,300
Southeast Georgia Health System - Brunswick Campus Brunswick , GA $14,100 - $38,800
Houston Lake Surgery Center Warner Robins , GA $7,000 - $19,100
Hutcheson Medical Center Fort Oglethorpe , GA $13,600 - $37,300
Coffee Regional Medical Center, Inc Douglas , GA $13,900 - $38,000

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.

In the news

CNN Health The Seattle Times NPR