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.

Why Norton Weight Management Services?

Norton Weight Management Services is a resource for individuals who struggle with weight loss after having little or no success through traditional dieting or exercise. We offer the latest surgical and medical weight loss solutions, nutritional and behavioral counseling, personalized and group support, and ongoing follow-up care to help you succeed.

Our team is made up of fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeons who perform more than 500 procedures each year, nurses, dietitians and behavioral health specialists who are dedicated to patients’ lifelong health and success.

Norton Weight Management also has:

• Lifetime, unlimited support (even before surgery), for a one-time $300 cost
• A nurse navigator who will guide you during treatment and throughout the entire process
• Medical Weight Management Program seminar offered online
• No mandatory food or vitamins
• Weekly seminars
• Surgeons on call 24 hours a day
• Located at 1000 Dupont Road, Louisville, Kentucky

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.