Lap Band System (Gastric Banding) Weight Loss Surgery
Lap banding (gastric banding) is a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure in which a soft silicone band is placed around the top part of the stomach to create a small upper pouch, restricting the volume of food that can be consumed at any one time. The collection of food in this small upper pouch means patients feel full quickly and eat less, resulting in great weight loss results. Satiety is reached after only a small meal and the body still usually receives sufficient nutritents. Many of our past patients have commented about the small amount of food our bodies actually require to function!
Lap band surgery is now available for those with a BMI of 35+ or BMI 30+ with an associated co-morbidity such as Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnoa, Infertility, Mobility issues. You can calculate your BMI on our BMI Calculator and review where you sit. Further information on this recent change to the recommended BMI range can be found under Gastric Band BMI Information.
The soft band holds a small amount of saline, which is adjusted by the doctor/ specialist with a hypodermic needle through a port that is placed just under the skin of the abdomen to influence the level of restriction experienced by patients.
Laparoscopic surgery allows for reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and earlier return to normal every day activities. The Lap Band procedure is the most commonly performed weight loss procedure in Australia with over 11,000 performed every year, and has a number of advantages over other procedures.
Information Evenings
Why not attend one of our monthly information evenings at our clinic at John Flynn Hospital, Tugun to hear from the surgeons and support team as well as past patients. The evenings start at 6pm and usually run for around 2 hours. To reserve a seat(s) at the next session, please visit our registration page.
Gastric Band Costs - (As of October 1st, 2011)
| Procedure | Insured | Uninsured | Finance if Insured | Finance if Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gastric Band |
$3,750*^ |
$12,750* |
from $0 Deposit + $49 per fn |
from $0 Deposit + $129 per fn |
* Fee includes anaesthetist charge of $1250 (subject to change) and is payable directly to the anaesthetist. $2,500 is payable directly to our clinic 7 days prior to surgery.
For those covered by Private Health Insurance, the Insured price above reflects what will be payable and requires only Basic Hospital Cover, with no additional benefit received by holding extras cover. Uninsured patients will pay their hospital fees directly to John Flynn Hospital. For further information about this please phone the clinic on 1300 934 448.
All patients receive the comprehensive care and support package for 12 months following surgery, provided by our dietitian and psychologist ; and, band adjustments are also included as part of the package for the first 12 months.
Additional information on your package inclusions
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