Are the costs of LAP-BAND® procedure covered by Insurance?
Our center accepts most insurance plans. You may submit information regarding your insurance carrier in the Patient/Inquiry department. Our staff will verify your insurance information and determine if your insurance covers the procedure. Insurance will be considered for this surgery if proper documentation is provided to substantiate medical necessity.
You may also contact us at: Tel.
and provide us your insurance information over the phone for verification. [more]
Obesity is a national epidemic in America - almost 1000 people die from obesity related problems every day
LAP-BAND® DETAILS
In 2001 the LAP-BAND® was the first adjustable gastric band to gain FDA approval in the United States
LAP-BAND® procedures are performed laparoscopically
Patients usually need 5-8 adjustments each year for the first 24 months following their surgery
Within 5 years, the average patient will lose 55% of their excess weight
The LAP-BAND® offers a patient-support program called My LAP-BAND Journey
LAP-BAND® recovery time is comparable to that of the REALIZE Band
The Obesity Epidemic
Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Many diseases and health problems are connected to obesity. In America, there may be as many as 300,000 premature deaths that are related to obesity, according to the US Surgeon-General. Obesity rates in the America have increased rapidly in recent decades. The American Obesity Association says that obese individuals have a 50 to 100 percent increased risk of death when compared to non overweight individuals. Obesity is the Second Leading Cause of preventable death in the United States.
Lap-Band adjustable gastric banding operation
The demand for adjustable Lap Band surgery has been growing steadily since its approval by the FDA in June 2001. Studies have shown the Lap-Band adjustable gastric banding operation to be safer and more effective with greater long term weight loss results than other more invasive bariatric procedures.
Procedure with less trauma
Because the stomach is not cut or stapled or rerouted, the LAP-Band process is considered to be the least traumatic among available weight loss surgeries. Using laparoscopic surgery there are advantages of less pain in the postoperative period. It may require less time for recovery and shorter hospital stays. If the band has to be removed the stomach returns to its original form.
Adjustable Treatment
The diameter of the LAP-Band System is adjustable to achieve a personalized rate of weight loss. It is the only weight loss surgery that is adjustable. Patients who do not lose sufficient weight may have their bands tightened or pregnant patients may have their bands expanded to accommodate the needs of athe fetus as it grows.
Since the band is connected by tubing to an access port during surgery, it can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution to adjust its size. The port is not visible above the skin. The surgeon can manage the amount of saline, and thus the size of the band, by using a fine needle and accessing the port through the skin.
Insurance Guidelines:
Are the costs of LAP-BAND® procedure covered by Insurance?
Our center accepts most insurance plans. You may submit information regarding your insurance carrier in the Patient/Inquiry department. Our staff will verify your insurance information and determine if your insurance covers the procedure. Insurance will be considered for this surgery if proper documentation is provided to substantiate medical necessity.
You may also contact us at: Tel.
and provide us your insurance information over the phone for verification. [more]
What insurance companies do you accept?
...and more...
We accept a variety of insurance carriers and plans. During your initial consultation, you'll complete a Patient Questionnaire that contains a section on insurance coverage. You may contact our office directly prior to your consultation to discuss insurance coverage and verification. Please call us at:
Tel.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
In our
Surgical
Center
compare to
number of
other
Surgical
Center we
prefer
General Anesthesia , in which case you'll sleep through the entire operation and do not feel any pain.
* The Information Presented On This Website Is Intended To Be Used For Informational Use Only; It Is Not Intended To Be A Substitute For Professional Advice. If You Are Planning On Having A Procedure Performed Or If There Is Anything You Don't Understand Or Have Questions About Your Procedure, Time, Price Variation Due Patient Comorbidity, Our Special Price Reflect Surgery for Patients with Weight up to 160 Pounds and IV Sedation, Additional Cost for Blood Work, General Anesthesia, Recovery, Combination Of The Different Procedures. Please Consult Our Physician Who Will Be Happy During Your Free Consultation To Go Over In Details With All Your Questions.
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band vs. REALIZE™ Band
The LAP-BAND System and REALIZE Adjustable Band are the only two laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedures currently approved for use in the United States.
The primary differences exist in the construction of the gastric bands, the band sizes, fill volume and access port size and attachment method. Many bariatric surgeons consider them equally good choices, but choose which band is best for the patient based on the patient's anatomy.
Bariatric patients in the United States will benefit from having two options for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Our doctors during Free Consultation will discuss which type of procedure is most appropriate for patients.
Procedure
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band
REALIZE™ Band
Manufacturer
Allergan
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a division of Johnson & Johnson
Developed/First Used
1993 in Belgium
1985 in Sweden
Date First Marketed Outside USA
1994
1996
First Adjustment
4-6 weeks after surgery
4-6 weeks after surgery
US Clinical Trials
Started in 1995
Started in 2003
Date Approved By US FDA
June 2001
September 2007
Surgery Method
Laparoscopic
Laparoscopic
Adjustment Method
Saline added/removed with special needle via port
Saline added/removed with special needle via port
Product Material
Silicone
Strong, flexible silicone
Band Sizes
AP Standard AP Large
One Size Fits All
Adjustable
Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Gastric Band
LAP BAND AP
360 fill capacity Soft and pre-curved
360 fill capacity
One smooth inner balloon Low-pressure
Fill Volume
AP Standard, 10cc AP Large, 14cc VG, 10cc 9.75/10, 4cc
One Size 9cc (1.8 teaspoons)
AccessPort
Port anchored with stitches to muscle wall
Self-clamping system attaches port to muscle wall Low-profile (1/2")
Frequently Asked Questions About LAP-BAND®
Procedure
We are committed to answering all of your
questions about whether a LAP-BAND® Procedure is right for
you. Please don't hesitate to call us and ask to speak with one of our
highly rated LAP-BAND Surgeons or with one of our LAP-BAND patients who
has already had the procedure.
» Is the
LAP-BAND® Surgery safe?
Yes. The LAP-BAND® procedure is considered the least
invasive bariatric surgery available - offering fewer complications,
less pain, less scarring, and a quicker recovery than any other form of
obesity surgery. The LAP-BAND® procedure one of the fastest
growing forms of Bariatric (weight loss) surgery is the LAP-BAND®
procedure growing steadily since its approval by the FDA in June 2001
» How
long does it take to perform the LAP-BAND® Surgery?
LAP-BAND®,
operation is performed under a general anesthetic and takes about 45
minutes.
LAP-BAND procedure is out-patient procedure and majority of the patient
will be up and walking four to six hours after surgery and release to
your home the same day that you had your procedure.
» Is
LAP-BAND® procedure, reversible? Is it a life-long implant
or should it be removed after time?
The
Lap-Band can be removed, however it is normally a life-long commitment
that is intended to help keep weight off.
» Will
my Insurance pay for the LAP-BAND® Surgery?
The
good news is that many insurance companies and health plans include the
LAP-BAND® Surgery as one of their weight loss benefits.
Majority major insurance companies cover the LAP-BAND®
procedure as long as you meet their requirements. Your insurance may
consider you a candidate for the LAP-BAND®, if your BMI 40 or
greater We have insurance experts on staff to help you get approved
through the insurance process. Contact us to get started!
If
you do not have insurance, or if the cost of LAP-BAND®
Surgery is not covered under your current policy, then many other
payment options are still available to you including easy LAP-BAND®
financing currently there are several finance companies that offer
flexible payment plans for financing the LAP-BAND®
» Does
Medicare cover the LAP-BAND® Surgery?
Medicare
will cover lap band surgery for qualified patients when the procedure
is performed by approved surgeons and facilities. Medicare coverage and
requirements went into effect on February 15, 2006. Like many insurance
programs, Medicare patients may have a co-payment amount even if they
qualify. Although Medicare pays for weight loss surgery, they do not
pre-authorize so it is important to be certain of the requirements for
surgery coverage.
» Is the
surgery very painful?
This
surgery is minimally invasive—described as a “keyhole” surgery—with
minimal pain. You will be given pain medication for any discomfort you
may experience.
» Is
there any scarring after surgery?
Since
laparoscopic surgery is mini-invasive, there is minimal scarring. You
will have 5 to 6 small incisions that usually heal quickly.
» Is the
LAP-BAND® permanent?
No
- although it is not meant to be removed, one of the unique
characteristics of the LAP-BAND® is that it can be removed
surgically in a manner very similar to how it was inserted.
» Are
there complications if you ever plan on getting pregnant?
No,
in fact surgery in many cases can increase your chances of becoming
pregnant.
» Pre-Operative
Assessments, Lab and X-Ray Fees?
Prior
to your LAP-BAND® surgery, you will need to take various
tests to ensure your safety. Common pre-operative test include blood
tests, an upper endoscopy, electrocardiograph (EKG), an echocardiogram
and screening for sleep apnea.
» If I
need other abdominal surgery (Hiatal Hernia, Tubal Ligation, Ovarian
Cyst, etc.), can the LAP-BAND® be applied at the same time?
Yes.
Any one of these surgical procedures can be done at the same time.
» What
type of post-surgery support do you provide for me?
LAP-BAND®
will help you lose weight, but our staff is committed to providing our
patients support before, during and after their LAP-BAND®
surgery. Following surgery, our doctors will work with you to create a
post-operative diet and exercise program designed to help you achieve
the healthiest weight loss possible. You come to our office for
follow-up appointments several times during the first year after surgery
and annually thereafter. In addition, we offer our patients the
opportunity to participate in post-surgery support groups and
counseling.
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band vs. REALIZE™ Band
The LAP-BAND System and REALIZE Adjustable Band are the only two laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedures currently approved for use in the United States.
The primary differences exist in the construction of the gastric bands, the band sizes, fill volume and access port size and attachment method. Many bariatric surgeons consider them equally good choices, but choose which band is best for the patient based on the patient's anatomy.
Bariatric patients in the United States will benefit from having two options for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Our doctors during Free Consultation will discuss which type of procedure is most appropriate for patients.
Procedure
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band
REALIZE™ Band
Manufacturer
Allergan
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a division of Johnson & Johnson
Developed/First Used
1993 in Belgium
1985 in Sweden
Date First Marketed Outside USA
1994
1996
First Adjustment
4-6 weeks after surgery
4-6 weeks after surgery
US Clinical Trials
Started in 1995
Started in 2003
Date Approved By US FDA
June 2001
September 2007
Surgery Method
Laparoscopic
Laparoscopic
Adjustment Method
Saline added/removed with special needle via port
Saline added/removed with special needle via port
Product Material
Silicone
Strong, flexible silicone
Band Sizes
AP Standard AP Large
One Size Fits All
Adjustable
Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Gastric Band
LAP BAND AP
360 fill capacity Soft and pre-curved
360 fill capacity
One smooth inner balloon Low-pressure
Fill Volume
AP Standard, 10cc AP Large, 14cc VG, 10cc 9.75/10, 4cc
One Size 9cc (1.8 teaspoons)
AccessPort
Port anchored with stitches to muscle wall
Self-clamping system attaches port to muscle wall Low-profile (1/2")