Lap Band Surgery - During the Procedure

During the Procedure

Gastric banding is a 23 hour admission and almost all patients go home the same day. Procedures may vary depending on the type of procedure performed and your physician's practices. Gastric banding surgery will be performed while you are asleep under general anesthesia. Your physician will discuss this with you in advance. Generally, gastric banding surgery follows this process:

1. You’ll be asked to remove clothing and change into a gown.
2. An intravenous (IV) line may be started in your arm or hand.
3. You'll be positioned on your back on the operating table.
4. A urinary catheter may be inserted.
5. The anesthesiologist will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and blood oxygen level during the surgery.
6. The skin over the surgical site will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
7. For a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon will make a series of small incisions, then carbon dioxide gas will be introduced into the abdomen to inflate the abdominal cavity so that the appendix and other structures can easily be visualized.
8. For an adjustable gastric band procedure, a hollow band will be placed around the top end of the stomach to create the small pouch that will serve as the new stomach. A narrow passage will connect to the rest of the stomach. The band will be inflated with a salt solution.
9. A drain may be placed in the incision site to remove fluid.
10. The incision(s) will be closed with stitches or surgical staples.
11. A sterile bandage/dressing will be applied.