At the nationally recognized Berkshire Center for Weight Loss Surgery, we offer a full range of weight loss surgery options, including Lap-Band surgery (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, or LAGB) and conversion of Lap-Band to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

About Lap-Band

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive approach to weight loss surgery. Although a popular choice for weight loss surgery in the past, it has largely been replaced by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The Lap-Band is a silastic ring placed around the top of the stomach to limit how much you can eat and provide a feeling of fullness. While the Lap-Band has worked well for some patients, better results are often seen with sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, and it is not recommended for most patients.

Conversion of Lap-Band to Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy

For patients experiencing issues with their band, or who have not reached their weight loss goal, the Lap-Band can be removed and converted to another weight loss operation. This can relieve swallowing issues or reflux that can occur with the band. The metabolic changes that occur with the gastric bypass can help with weight loss when restriction with a Lap-Band has been unsuccessful.

Risks of Surgery

Revisional surgery, such as removing a Lap-Band and converting to a new operation, can be a higher risk procedure due to scar tissue that may have formed at the time of Lap-Band placement, and because of changes in your anatomy. We will provide a complete evaluation of your issues with the band and your current anatomy. This personalized evaluation is helpful to both plan your operation and evaluate the risks involved.

Could Lap-Band Surgery Work for You?

Berkshire Medical Center is proud to offer our life-changing bariatric surgery program to the Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and surrounding Berkshire County communities we love to serve.

If you think you may be a candidate for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, join us for a free seminar, hosted by Andrew Lederman, MD, FACS, FASMBS. He’ll walk through weight management and surgical solutions, and see if a bariatric procedure may be right for you.

Call (413) 395-751 or RSVP here for an upcoming bariatric surgery seminar.