Weightloss Solutions Australia Guide To Lap Band Surgery (Gastric Banding)
A reversible weight loss solution for a new and healthy lifestyle:
- What is Lap Band Surgery (Gastric Banding)?
- Video demonstration: How Lap Band surgery works
- BMI calculator: Are you eligible?
- Differences between Gastric Sleeve surgery and Lap Band surgery
- Lap Band surgery pros and cons
- Risks of Lap Band surgery
- WLSA 12-month post-surgery support
- Lap Band surgery success stories
- How much Lap Band surgery costs in Australia?
- WLSA Lap Band surgery costs and package inclusions
- Upcoming information session
What is Lap Band Surgery (Gastric Banding)?
Lap Band surgery - also known as Gastric Banding - is a reversible and non-intrusive weight loss procedure. A silicon band that is wrapped around the top of the stomach creates a "pouch" where food will be stored. As the pouch will be significantly smaller than the stomach, you will feel full faster from a smaller meal.
Video demonstration: How Lap Band surgery works
Watch this less than 3-minute video to understand the process how Lab Band surgery actually works.
BMI calculator: Are you eligible?
Lap Band surgery is most suitable for patients with a BMI of more than 35 and those with more than 30 with health problems such as diabetes, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, PCOS, etc.
You need to be at least 17 years old and no older than 75 years old and have a history of failed weight loss attempts through diet and exercise. If you are willing to adhere to our medical, dietary and lifestyle advice, this weight loss option could be for you!
Differences between Gastric Banding and Lap Band surgery.
Both options involve modifying the stomach so that it can hold less food. However, they go about this in very different ways.
Lap Band surgery: It is a reversible option where a band wrapping around the top part of the stomach creates a small pouch to limit the amount of food that can be stored. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach in lap-band surgery, and digestion takes place normally. This option is more suitable for individuals with a BMI > 30.
Gastric Sleeve surgery: It is an irreversible option where a large part of the stomach is permanently removed. The remaining part of the patient's stomach is in the shape of a tube, or sleeve. This option is more suitable for individuals with a BMI > 40.
Lap Band Surgery Pros and Cons
- Reversible surgery
- The device is adjustable (to help moderate your intake)
- Very low complication rates
- Potential complications are not considered life-threatening
- More affordable option
Risks of Lap Band Surgery
As with any surgery, there is always a degree of risk.
Lap Band surgery is a procedure with minimal complications and risks, however, such outcomes cannot be guaranteed. The 3 main potential complications with gastric banding are band erosions, band slippage, and infections. In very few cases, sometimes the band may be removed for a period of time or a dose of antibiotics may be prescribed.
But don't worry, your surgeon will walk you through the risks and preventative measures that can be taken.
WLSA 12-Month Post-surgery support
Even though you don't need on-going maintenance and can tolerate a wide variety of foods post a Lap Band procedure, it is still important that you maintain healthy eating habits and exercise regularly.
See the timeline infographic below for more details of what you could expect from consultation to the end of the 12-month support program.
WLSA Timeline From Consultation To 12-month Post-surgery Support
Lap Band Surgery Success Stories
Meet Jason.
After trying many different diets to lose weight and nearly losing willpower, he chose Gastric Banding over bypass and sleeve as his weightloss solution. Now, he's at the gym every day, back running, walking and lifting weights again. He's not as tired or grumpy anymore. Watch the video to hear about his journey.
How much Gastric Banding costs in Australia?
You can fund your Gastric Banding surgery through Medicare, private health insurance, superannuation, and payment plans.
As a rule of thumb, your total out-of-pocket cost after Medicare rebates may be:
- With private health insurance:
- Without private health insurance:
Keep in mind though that the cost may vary case-by-case. The final cost depends on various factors such as your individual needs, age, additional appointments and more.
Use the following Item Numbers in the Medicare Benefits Schedule to find the current reimbursement levels for Gastric Banding (removal, replacement or putting one in).
- Gastric Banding - Item 31569
- Reversal (removal or replacement) of Gastric Banding - Item 31584
So how much are you really saving in the long term?
The thought of undergoing a surgery and the large price tag that comes with it can be daunting, in the short term. But what's the cost to your health in the long term and the risk of not doing anything about it now? Take a look at this infographic.
WLSA Surgery costs and package inclusions
Before your Lap Band surgery, you will have 3 assessment appointments to determine if this is a suitable option for you and how to best prepare for your weight loss journey ahead. All appointments for the first 12 months are included in the initial fee.
What's included in your Lap Band package?
3 post-surgery workshops with our psychologist and dietitian at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months
All consultations with the surgeon
Unlimited monthly support from our dietitian and psychologist
Unlimited consultations by phone, email, or face to face with patient liaison staff
A comprehensive patient manual
Upcoming information session
Keep an eye for the next information session or call (07) 5598 0500.
