The Lap-Band® Ready Checklist

Few journeys are successful without a roadmap! The checklist below is the “roadmap” for your LAP-BAND® Journey as you prepare for your procedure. These activities and resources will help you navigate your way to a successful surgery day and beyond.

Attend a LAP-BAND® Seminar
LAP-BAND® seminars are hosted across the country by local LAP-BAND® programs. Oftentimes, LAP-BAND® surgeons speak at these seminars and successful LAP-BAND® patients are present to answer questions and share their experiences. The seminars are conducted in a comfortable environment with other people who have struggled with their weight and are interested in learning about a surgical solution. Click here to find a seminar in your local area.

Identify a LAP-BAND® Surgeon
A LAP-BAND® surgeon is one of the best sources of information about the procedure. He or she will ultimately help you determine whether the LAP-BAND® System is right for you. Once you find a physician in your area and attend an educational seminar, you should schedule an office appointment to meet with the surgeon. To locate a certified LAP-BAND® surgeon, click here.

Determine Your Payment Option
As with any surgery, you should understand the costs associated with it and your payment options. The total cost of the LAP-BAND® surgery depends on your individual case. Surgical, hospitalization, and other procedure fees vary, and you need to ask your surgeon about the specific costs that apply to your procedure. There are several options available to pay for your surgery, including insurance, cash, and loans or financing. Talk to your surgeon to determine your individual LAP-BAND® procedure cost and payment options. To learn more about available payment options, click here.

Understand the LAP-BAND® Procedure
LAP-BAND® surgery is a life-changing event, so it is important to be well-informed and talk to your surgeon about the advantages, disadvantages, and risks involved in having the procedure. To help you better understand the surgery, resources are available to you as you move along on your LAP-BAND® journey. Multiple brochures and even interactive videos have been created to help patients like you become more informed about the LAP-BAND® System. You will be able to access these and other resources in Step Two of the journey.

Prepare for Surgery

• Meet with other specialists
  Before surgery, your surgeon may also want you to meet with other medical experts, such as a dietitian and/or a psychologist, who can help you understand what will take place during and after the operation.
• Discuss lifestyle changes
  You may discuss a detailed nutrition plan and other lifestyle changes that you will need to make.
• If you smoke, quit
  If you smoke, you will need to quit before your surgery to minimize your health risks and ensure speedy recovery.
• Complete medical tests
  You will have a number of medical tests before your surgery to evaluate your health.
• Prepare mentally and emotionally
  It is important to prepare for your new life with the LAP-BAND® mentally and emotionally and to secure a “friends and family” support network to help you succeed.
• Get ready for surgery day
  Finally, prior to surgery you should schedule some time for post-op recovery and prepare for the first few days after surgery. Make sure that someone is available to take you home after surgery and get you settled. Also, make sure your home is stocked with appropriate post-op friendly food.