Norton Weight Management Services offers gastric band surgery, also called lap-band surgery. Gastric band surgery is the least invasive and only adjustable surgical weight loss option available in the U.S.

What Is Gastric Band Surgery?

More than 300,000 gastric banding systems have been placed in patients worldwide. The gastric banding system is a flexible silicone ring that is placed around the upper part of your stomach and filled with saline. A port also is installed just under your skin that allows your physician to have access to the band. The band divides your stomach, leaving a smaller stomach pouch above the band and a larger part below.

Since both areas of your stomach are reduced in size, they can hold only a small amount of food. The band also controls the outlet between the two parts of your stomach that regulates blood flow. Because that outlet is smaller, you’ll feel full sooner and generally won’t feel hungry between meals. Your surgeon can change the size of the outlet between the two parts of your stomach by adding or removing saline from the band. By adjusting the size of the band, your surgeon can help control your weight loss.

Our board-certified surgeons typically perform this procedure laparoscopically, which often means less pain and scarring, fewer complications and faster recovery. You’ll also have the support of a dedicated team — including bariatric nurses, behavioral health specialists, registered dietitians and more — to help you enjoy lifelong success.

Benefits and Expected Weight Loss

Most patients who have had gastric band surgery experience gradual weight loss, approximately 1 to 2 pounds per week during the first year. Weight loss is slower with a gastric band than with gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery. Individual weight loss results will vary. As with all weight loss procedures, participation in Norton Weight Management Services’ support network is vital to your success. Patients who join our monthly support groups and keep in contact with program staff report higher rates of success.

Potential Complications

All surgeries come with risks of complications — some minor and some severe. Talk with your physician about all the potential risks and complications from gastric band surgery, which may include:

• Pulmonary embolus – a blood clot that travels to the lungs
• Heart attack – occurs when the heart does not get enough blood
• Stroke – occurs when the brain does not get enough blood
• Bleeding – can be mild, moderate or heavy
• Death – a possibility during any surgery

Complications directly related to the gastric band system also can occur. Fewer than 1% of patients experience these issues:

• The band can slip.
• The stomach pouch can enlarge.
• The band can be too tight, creating an obstruction.
• The band can erode into the stomach.

How Much Is Gastric Band Surgery?

Many insurance plans cover all or part of gastric band surgery. The gastric band surgery cost for uninsured patients is approximately $14,600, including hospital, physician, anesthesiology and radiology services. If additional care is required for any complications, additional charges may apply.

Why Norton Weight Management Services?

No health system in Louisville or Southern Indiana has been providing weight loss surgery and medical weight loss care longer than Norton Weight Management Services.

• Norton Weight Management Services is recognized for superior care by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ by Anthem for expertise and efficiency in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). These designations may be a requirement of your health insurance provider.
• We are experienced with a full range of the latest weight loss surgery options, including gastric bypass, gastric banding and gastric sleeve.
• Our weight loss services include guidance through the life-changing process and support through your lifelong commitment to health.
• Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons perform more than 500 procedures each year.
• We typically use minimally invasive procedures, meaning most patients have just a few small incisions and may experience less pain, fewer complications and faster recovery.
• Our comprehensive approach means you’ll be connected with the Norton Healthcare system — the largest in Louisville and Southern Indiana.
• Our providers put you first with educational seminars, support groups, presurgical visits and testing, spacious patient rooms, a demonstration kitchen, and more at our Dupont Road location.
• Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is recognized for superior care by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. It is also designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ by Anthem for expertise and efficiency in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). These designations may be a requirement of your health insurance provider.