Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Surgery in New Jersey | Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics of NJ

Gastric LAP BAND Surgery in New Jersey

Home » Bariatric Surgery | Weight Loss Surgery in New Jersey » Gastric LAP BAND Surgery in New Jersey

Obesity leads to a host of physical and psychological complications. In addition to low self-esteem, you could be in danger of developing or worsening high blood pressure, digestive issues, back pain, and joint problems.

You don’t have to suffer due to unsuccessful dieting and exercising experiences. The weight loss experts at Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics are here to help with safe effective surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Although gastric banding is no longer a mainstay in our bariatric repertoire, it still has value in certain situations. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that allows you to restrict your caloric intake while developing a healthier lifestyle with the support of your professional weight loss team. Call today to find out if it’s a good solution for you.

The surgical practice at Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics enjoys a world-class reputation. Their commitment to quality patient care is second to none, and they have multiple convenient locations in central New Jersey to serve you.

What is Gastric Banding?

Laparoscopic placement of an adjustable gastric band is safe and effective. A silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, which slows the passage of food into the rest of the stomach. An injection port is attached to the abdominal wall underneath the skin and connected to the lap band with soft thin tubing. Gastric band adjustments are made periodically in the office to assure an appropriate level of restriction. A needle is used to inject saline into the port to increase the amount of restriction provided by the band, which in turn can help you feel fuller.

By 1986, scientists had developed an adjustable band lined with an inflatable balloon, which proved much more effective at reducing weight for patients. If you’re considering having an adjustable gastric lap band placed, the surgical practice at Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics of NJ, PA (ASBNJ) enjoys a world-class reputation. Their commitment to quality patient care is second to none, and they have multiple convenient locations in central New Jersey to serve you.

Our practice uses the LAP-BAND ™ gastric banding system. We implant two devices in the abdomen: a silicone band and an injection port. The silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating two connected chambers of the stomach. The injection port is attached to the abdominal wall underneath the skin and connected to the lap band with soft, thin tubing. The lap-band is adjustable and several adjustments will be made periodically after the procedure is completed to assure the appropriate level of restriction. The physician uses a needle to inject saline solution into your band through the port, increasing the amount of restriction provided by the band, which in turn can help you feel fuller.

Adjustable Gastric Lap Band Surgery, Explained

Adjustable gastric lap band surgery is a specific surgical technique in the field of bariatrics. Bariatric surgery refers to any surgical weight loss procedure, so a lap band in New Jersey helps you restrict the amount of food you eat. During laparoscopic gastric banding, your surgeon places an inflatable band around the upper section of your stomach.

The small band contains a volume of fluid that your doctor can adjust if necessary. The more fluid in the band, the more restricted your food intake becomes. If the band proves too tight, it may prevent sufficient food intake or cause digestive problems. But your bariatric specialist has the ability to remove some fluid too.

Other Types of Bariatric Surgery

The gastric band differs from other bariatric procedures. For example, gastric band surgery is reversible, unlike some of the other procedures, which include:

  • Gastric sleeve surgery. By removing roughly 80% of the stomach, a narrower “sleeved” stomach is created. This reduces portion sizes and curbs the appetite by reducing ghrelin, which is an appetite stimulant.
  • Gastric bypass surgery. During this procedure, a small pouch at the top of the stomach is connected directly to the small intestine. The small pouch restricts portion sizes. And since a part of the small intestine is bypassed, less calories are absorbed.
  • Bariatric revision surgery. When previous weight loss surgeries have failed to deliver the desired results, another procedure may be required. Your doctor may recommend a bariatric revision surgery if you fail to lose weight, regain some of the weight or suffer from other medical complications.
5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ very professional and caring

I had my procedure in August, 2023. From the time of my initial consult to my surgery, the doctors and staff were very professional and caring. Yes, i have seen a few different doctors since my procedure, but they work as a team. I highly recommend.

janice k.

Good Candidates for Gastric Banding Surgery

It is important to try your best to lose weight through diet and exercise before you have any bariatric surgery. If after working hard to eat healthier and exercise daily, you find yourself still with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40, you would qualify for bariatric surgery. You may also qualify if you have a BMI between 35 and 40 along with other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.  Even if surgery is the right decision for you, it won’t fix your weight problem by itself. It is merely a tool to help you along your journey to good health.  You still need to watch what you eat and do your best to live a healthy lifestyle.

Read more: Gastric Banding Surgery Expertise

What to Expect after the Gastric Banding Procedure?

After the gastric band is placed, solid food is not introduced right away. Dietary instructions detail how to gradually advance your diet from liquids to mushy/soft foods and finally back to regular food. Thoroughly chewing food and eating slowly increases your level of comfort.

Recovery times can vary between patients. As a rule of thumb, however, the less invasive nature of the gastric banding procedure lends itself to a reduced recovery time. Our physicians will advise you on when you can return to normal activity.

Gastric Banding patients usually see a loss of up to 50 percent of their excess body weight, and most patients have reported that Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues have improved or resolved.

Considerations and Risks of Gastric Banding

Gastric banding can help you feel satisfied sooner, but you will have to follow specific diet and exercise guidelines in order to reach and maintain your weight goals. Gastric banding requires follow-up care. Since the band is adjustable, it will be fine-tuned over the course of several months to find the perfect level of restriction. Even after reaching your ideal weight, you may need to see us periodically to adjust the band further.

As with all surgeries, complications are possible, but Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics have developed a highly effective set of safety protocols. We have one of the lowest rates of complications in the nation. Serving the Tri-State area, Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics provides access to personalized, effective weight loss. Contact the medical practice today to schedule your initial consultation.

Risks include:

  • Migration of implant (band erosion, band slippage, port displacement)
  • Tubing-related complications (port disconnection, tubing kinking)
  • Band leak
  • Esophageal spasm
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Inflammation of the esophagus or stomach
  • Port-site infection
  • Inherent risks of any surgical procedure

Gastric Banding Surgery Expertise

Choosing bariatric surgery is a very personal decision that involves not only surgery but also adopting new healthier lifestyle habits. You are making a life changing and even life saving decision. You need to have confidence in your choice of surgery and your surgeon.

Why choose Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ?

Board Certification

The bariatric surgeons at Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ are Board – certified and Fellowship – trained bariatric surgeons. Certification means your surgeon has the training, skills and experience to provide superior care.

Experience and Expertise

At Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ our surgeons have extensive surgical expertise and technical proficiency. We have performed hundreds of minimally invasive gastric banding procedures and our complication rates are among the lowest in the nation.

When you choose Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ, you will receive comprehensive treatment including medical management, exercise, behavior modification, counseling, and nutrition support.

You will work with a team of professionals to develop a personalized care plan for you. This includes education and evaluation before surgery, and lifetime follow-up care and support to help you keep the weight off and stay healthy.

Communication

At Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics, we want you to feel comfortable with us. We focus on patient education and careful selection of patients for gastric banding so that you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your care. We constantly strive to deliver the best patient experience.

Our team of elite surgeons is knowledgeable, attentive and thorough, kind, compassionate, and professional. You will get your questions answered and receive personalized care and respect in a private, comforting, and compassionate environment.

The Surgical Center

Our surgical center has been designated as a Bariatric and Metabolic Center of Excellence from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

The center at Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics is one of the seven programs in the country to have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its Bariatric Surgery Program by demonstrating compliance with national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. 

Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ has earned distinction as a Center of Excellence in Pediatric and Adolescent Bariatric surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation- a nonprofit, patient safety organization that develops and administers best-in-class accreditation programs throughout the world.

Insurance Coverage

The insurance specialists and patient navigators at the offices of Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics allow for streamlined support in collaborating with your insurance plan.

Awards and Honors

  • Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ has received:
  • The Top Doctor Award for distinction from Findatopdoc.com in 2018
  • Top Doctor from NJ Top Docs 2016
  • New Jersey Top Doctor Award from NJ Health Magazine 2014-2015
  • Talk of the Town New Jersey, Talk of the Town News 2013-2015
  • America’s Top Surgeons, Consumer Research Council of America 2008-2015
  • Leading Physicians of the World – The International Association of Healthcare Professionals 2009-2014
  • Patient’s Choice Award in NJ, Consumer Research Counsel of America 2010, 2012.
  • America’s Top Surgeons Award in Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgery, Consumer Research Council of America 2008- 2010

Dr. Sadek was chosen as a Top Doctor in Jersey Choice 2014, 2016 & 2018, based on the opinion of his fellow doctors.

What Our Patients Say

Healthgrades.com consumer reviews give Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ 5 stars with about 200 reviews. Patients report confidence in every step of the process with Dr. Sadek and his select team of skilled surgeons at Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ.

Patients consistently comment that the care they receive from Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics of NJ surgeons has changed and, in some cases, saved their lives.

Many patients commented that their only regret was not doing this sooner, because they feel amazing! Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a new beginning.

Gastric Banding Surgery Recovery

The gastric band procedure is performed in a minimally invasive manner, requiring only a few small incisions. The gastric band does not alter your anatomy, so recovery time is shorter than other bariatric surgeries.

Read more: Gastric Banding Surgery Recovery

What can you expect after surgery?

You can expect to have some pain and discomfort that can be well controlled with pain medications. Initially the goal is to keep you hydrated with a clear liquid diet for the first couple of days. It is important for you to walk around to regain your strength and prevent potential complications. Different food textures are gradually reintroduced and people can have regular solid food a few weeks after gastric band placement.

Fatigue is a normal response to surgery. Your surgeon at Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics will provide you with instructions to recover well and quickly. A specific diet and exercise plan will be provided to help achieve your goals.

Recovery time varies with each person. Most patients can go home the day of the procedure and return to work within a week after surgery.

You will receive complete instructions from your Advanced Surgical and Bariatric Surgery of New Jersey surgeon. Resumption of normal activities will be discussed with your surgeon.

How much weight loss can I expect?

Initially, you can expect a loss of several pounds per week, which will slow to a pound per week. The gastric band has been proven to help patients lose on average 65% of their excess weight within one year of surgery and keep off 60% of their excess body weight after 5 years.

You will experience improved health, which tends to reduce the impact of diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. You will feel better and your quality of life will improve.

Gastric band surgery provides the opportunity to gradually lose weight and achieve long term results without altering your anatomy. The gastric band is a tool to help you feel full faster, and stay full longer, to help reduce your hunger. But it is only a tool. By adopting new eating and exercise habits, your weight loss will give you renewed confidence, as well as an improved self-esteem, quality of life and state of health.

Gastric Banding Surgery Costs

The costs of Obesity

*Studies report that obese adults spend 42% more on direct medical expenses than adults at a healthy weight. This amounts to an increased annual cost $4,789.00 for an obese woman, and $2,646.00 for obese men. Obesity greatly increases the severity of health conditions and therefore cost of health care, including longer hospital stays, and higher treatment charges.

Adults struggling with obesity face numerous health risks including:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Fatty liver disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea
  • Stroke
  • Joint pain, dislocations, torn ligaments and arthritis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Cancers of the breast, colorectal, esophageal, kidney, gallbladder, uterine, pancreatic, and liver.

Severe obesity increases your risk of dying by 52% for men, and 62% of women. Your weight matters. Losing weight can reduce your health risks and improve the quality of your life.

Non-medical costs include an increased risk of premature death, lower quality of life, higher fuel costs, higher funeral costs, and higher travel costs to name a few.

The cost of doing nothing is much greater than the financial and personal costs of obesity. Bariatric surgery will improve not only your personal mental and physical health, but also that of your family. You can feel confident in your decision to have the experts at Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics support you in taking charge of your health.

Will my insurance cover my Gastric Band Surgery?

Most major insurance companies will pay for your weight loss surgery if you meet certain requirements. Coverage depends on your specific healthcare plan.

The insurance specialists and patient navigators at the offices of Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics allow for streamlined support in collaborating with your insurance plan. Our dedicated staff to help you obtain authorization for the procedure.

If you don’t have bariatric coverage, Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics provides flexible payment options including financing, medical loans and more.

Investing in You

Investing in your health will reward you for the rest of your life. It will improve or resolve serious weight-related conditions, reduce or eliminate your need for medications and improve your longevity. You will experience an improved quality of life including mobility, self-esteem, work, social interactions and sexual function. Bariatric surgery can significantly reduce your depression and anxiety.

When you take control with bariatric surgery, you will gain the confidence to achieve your goals.

Contact Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics. We have offices throughout New Jersey, and serve the Tri-State area. Schedule a consultation to learn about all your options for a healthy joyful future.

Gastric Band Surgery FAQs

Gastric banding surgery is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure that does not alter the anatomy, and allows one to feel full sooner. Patients frequently ask of our board-certified bariatric surgeons at Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics the following questions about the gastric band:

How much weight can I expect to lose with lap band surgery?

Patients who average at 35- 40 BMI (minimum number required for gastric band surgery) can expect to lose weight a bit faster than those with higher BMIs. It is possible to lose one to three pounds per week after the first year of surgery. That rate decreases gradually 12 – 18 months after surgery.

What are the risks of gastric band surgery?

As with all surgeries, complications are possible, but Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics have developed a highly effective set of safety protocols. We have one of the lowest rates of complications in the nation. Serving the Tri-State area, Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics provides access to personalized, effective weight loss. Contact the medical practice today to schedule your initial consultation.

Risks include:

  • Migration of implant (band erosion, band slippage, port displacement)
  • Tubing-related complications (port disconnection, tubing kinking)
  • Band leak
  • Esophageal spasm
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Inflammation of the esophagus or stomach
  • Port-site infection
  • Inherent risks of any surgical procedure

Is gastric banding reversible?

The gastric band can be removed at any time unlike other weight loss surgeries. 

Can I drink alcohol after lap band surgery?

Avoid alcohol for the first six months after bariatric surgery since even small amounts of alcohol can cause intoxication and low blood sugar. It is recommended to only drink with meals or while eating to help slow absorption of alcohol.

What happens if I eat too much after gastric band surgery?

If your food portions are too large, you may become nauseated and vomit, which, as an isolated incident, will not result in any issue. Frequent vomiting, however, can cause certain complications such as band slippage.

Dr. Sadek

Dr. Ragui Sadek is a premier surgeon who established a state-of-the-art and one of the safest bariatric surgery programs in the state. Dr. Sadek has fellowship training in both laparoscopic/bariatric surgery and surgical trauma/critical care, allowing him to safely perform complex surgeries on patients who have been turned down by other practices. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of surgery at RWJ Medical School & the Director of bariatric surgery program at RWJ University Hospital, Dr. Sadek offers a cutting-edge range of laparoscopic, robotic, & bariatric surgical procedures with a complication rate substantially below the national average.

Dr. Sadek is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Having performed more than three thousand advanced surgical procedures, Dr. Sadek has established a strong patient satisfaction rate and a solid reputation among the surgical community and is renowned as a top physician in his field by International Association of Healthcare Professionals. As a board-certified surgeon, he holds affiliations with the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of American Gastro Endoscopic Surgeons. More about Dr. Sadek

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