The Procedure: The Lap-Band involves placing an inflatable silicone ring around the upper stomach to restrict food intake and increase satiety.
Uniquely Adjustable: Unlike other surgeries, the band can be tightened or loosened via a port under the skin, allowing you to customize your weight-loss speed.
Reversible: It is the only bariatric procedure that does not permanently alter your anatomy (no cutting or stapling of the stomach).
The Commitment: Success requires regular follow-up visits for adjustments (“fills”) to maintain the right level of restriction.
The Results: Patients typically lose 40–55% of their excess body weight within 5 years.
For many patients considering bariatric surgery, the idea of permanently cutting or stapling their stomach is daunting. This is where the Lap-Band (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding) stands out as a unique option in our Florida Surgery & Weight Loss Center program.
Approved by the FDA in 2001, the Lap-Band is a purely restrictive procedure. It doesn’t change your digestion or remove part of your organs. Instead, it works like a belt, creating a smaller stomach pouch that helps you feel full faster and stay full longer.
While newer procedures like the Gastric Sleeve have gained popularity, the Lap-Band remains a viable option for patients seeking a reversible,less invasive surgical option.
How Does the Lap-Band Work?
The procedure is performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive), typically in under an hour.
Placement: Dr. Terushkin places a silicone band around the very top portion of the stomach.
The Pouch: This creates a small “upper pouch” (about the size of a walnut) above the band, leaving the larger part of the stomach below it.
The Port: The band is connected to an access port placed discreetly beneath the skin of your abdomen by a thin tube.
The Mechanism: When you eat, the small upper pouch fills quickly, sending signals to your brain that you are “full.” The food then slowly empties through the band into the lower stomach for normal digestion.
The “Adjustment” Factor
The defining feature of this surgery is adjustability. The band has an inflatable inner lining.
To Tighten: Dr. Terushkin injects saline into the port (a “fill”), which narrows the opening and increases restriction.
To loosen: Saline can be removed if the band feels too tight or if you become pregnant or sick.
Why it Matters: This allows us to customize the restriction to your personal comfort and weight loss goals without additional surgery.
Learn more about your options on our Bariatric Surgery in South Florida page, where we explain all available procedures and what to expect.
Weight Loss Results & Health Benefits
While weight loss is generally slower with the Lap-Band compared to the Gastric Bypass, it is steady and effective for those who follow the rules.
Weight Loss: Patients typically lose 40–50% of their excess body weight.
Long-Term: Studies show 50–55% excess weight loss at the 5-year mark.
Comorbidities: Significant improvement or resolution of Type 2 Diabetes occurs in 50–60% of patients, along with improvements in sleep apnea and high blood pressure.
Are You a Candidate for Lap-Band?
The ideal candidate for gastric banding is disciplined and willing to commit to regular follow-up visits.
You may qualify if:
BMI is 40+ (Morbid Obesity).
BMI is 35–39.9 with at least one serious weight-related condition (Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea).
History: You have attempted medical weight loss or diet programs without long-term success.
Commitment: You are willing to visit the office for band adjustments, especially in the first 12–18 months.
Preparing for Surgery: The Road to Success
Success starts before you enter the operating room. Dr. Terushkin emphasizes a comprehensive preparation phase:
Education: Understanding that the band is a “tool,” not a cure. It helps you eat less, but you must choose what to eat.
Pre-Op Diet: “Leaning out” your liver and body with a lower-calorie diet before surgery makes the procedure safer.
Mental Prep: Preparing for a new relationship with food—eating solely for fuel, not for comfort.
Life After Lap-Band: What to Expect
The Maintenance Phase
Unlike the Gastric Sleeve, the Lap-Band is high-maintenance.
Year 1: Expect frequent visits for adjustments to find your “Green Zone” (the perfect level of tightness where you are not hungry but can eat comfortably).
Diet: You must avoid “slider foods” (like milkshakes or ice cream) that slip through the band easily, as well as tough meats or fibrous breads that can get stuck.
Potential Complications
While the surgery itself is lower risk, the device carries specific long-term risks:
Band Slippage: The stomach can slip up through the band.
Erosion: The band can erode into the stomach tissue.
Port Issues: The port can flip or become infected.
Note: In Dr. Terushkin’s hands, complication rates are lower than the national average due to precise surgical technique, but regular monitoring is mandatory.
Why Choose Florida Surgery & Weight Loss?
Dr. Sergey Terushkin is one of South Florida’s most experienced bariatric surgeons.
Experience: Dr. Terushkin has performed numerous adjustable gastric banding surgeries and revisions.
Comprehensive Care: We offer the nutritional counseling and support groups necessary to succeed with the band.
Insurance Support: Many insurance plans cover the Lap-Band. Our team handles the verification process for you.
Florida Surgery and Weight Loss CenterDr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS
📞 (954) 551-3508
📍 1911 Harrison Street, Hollywood, FL 33020
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Lap-Band reversible?
Yes. If necessary, the band can be removed laparoscopically. In most cases, the stomach returns to its original shape and function.
How often do I need adjustments?
Most patients need 3–5 adjustments in the first year to reach optimal restriction. After that, adjustments are usually annual or as needed.
Can I feel the band inside me?
No, you cannot feel the band around your stomach. However, you may be able to feel the access port under your skin if you press firmly on your abdomen, especially as you lose weight.
Does insurance cover Lap-Band?
Yes, many major insurance providers (like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and Medicare) cover Gastric Banding if you meet their BMI and health criteria. We can check your benefits for free.
What happens if I eat too much?
Eating too much or eating too fast can cause discomfort, nausea, or vomiting (often called “productive burping”). The band teaches you to eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) is a surgical procedure with specific risks, including band slippage or erosion, and requires long-term lifestyle changes and regular adjustments. Surgical outcomes vary by patient. Always consult with a board-certified bariatric surgeon to determine if this procedure is right for you. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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A World-Class Group Of Board Certified Providers Dedicated to You! With weight-loss surgery, you deserve a team of renowned experts at your back, guiding your transformation journey with your whole health in mind. And that’s exactly the kind of support you’ll find here.
Dr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS — Bariatric Surgeon & Weight Loss Doctor in Hollywood, FL
Looking for a trusted Weight Loss Doctor in Hollywood, FL? Dr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS, is a board-certified bariatric surgeon with 15+ years of experience, offering medical weight loss, GLP-1 therapies, and bariatric procedures at Florida Surgery And Weight Loss Center.
Janna Goldfeld, PA-C
Janna Goldfeld, PA-C, is a nationally board-certified Physician Assistant with more than 20 years of experience in family medicine, internal medicine, ENT, general surgery, and bariatric/weight loss care.
Karla K. Mioduchoski, FNP-BC
Karla K. Mioduchoski, FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in hormone optimization, regenerative medicine, and advanced peptide therapy. With more than a decade of experience in critical care, functional wellness, and preventive health, she combines deep medical expertise with a patient-first approach that focuses on long-term healing and vitality.
Dr. Rosemary Daly, D.O., DABPM
r. Rosemary Daly, D.O., DABPM, is a board-certified interventional pain specialist with over 20 years of experience serving South Florida. Now part of Florida Surgery And Weight Loss Center, she provides advanced, minimally invasive treatments for chronic and spine-related pain, helping patients across Broward County, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach County, and throughout Florida achieve long-term relief.
