LAP-BANDŽ System Weight-Loss Surgery

How Can the LAP-BAND® System Help Me Lose Weight?

The LAP-BAND® System, offered by General Surgeon Dr. Marc Erickson and the Fort HealthCare Bariatric Program, is a weight-loss surgery that provides continuous, long-term treatment for severe and morbid obesity.

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is placed around the upper stomach, creating a small pouch. Food intake is significantly limited, creating a full feeling sooner. Once the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is in place, it is adjustable to help patients achieve their weight-loss goals.

2010 Informational Sessions

You may register for a FREE session by calling the Fort HealthCare Health Promotion Department at (920) 568-5244 or Patrice Stair, RN and bariatric coordinator at (920) 568-5242 or via email at patrice.stair@forthc.com. Guests and supportive partners are welcome to attend. Confidentiality is the responsiblity of each attendee.

Sessions will be held from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Fort Memorial Hospital's Classrooms B and C, as follows:
     January 19
     March 16
     April 13
     May 11
     June 8
     July 13
     August 10
     September 14
     October 19
     November 9
 

What is Severe and Morbid Obesity?

 It is a chronic, metabolic disease. Those who have morbid obesity are 100 pounds or more over their ideal weight, putting them at high risk for stroke, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions. Obesity is caused by a number of factors, but is most closely linked to genetics. Rarely can individuals lose weight without long-term medical treatments and keep it off without surgery.

Severe and morbid obesity can be determined by Body Mass Index or BMI.


 

What is my BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is determined by multiplying your weight in pounds by 704.5, dividing that number by height in inches, and dividing by your height again.

Click here to use Fort HealthCare's BMI calculator to determine your number.

Am I a Good Candidate for the LAP-BAND® System procedure?

  • 18 years of age, or older
  • Unsuccessful with more conservative forms of weight loss, such as diet and exercise
  • At least 100 pounds over their ideal weight
  • Motivated to make a lifelong commitment to well-balanced eating and physical activity
  • Able to perform some sort of physical exercise
  • Severely obese and have been obese for five years. (Severe obesity is defined as a body mass index greater than 35.)
  • No previous acid reflux or weight-loss surgeries
     

Financing Options

There are a handful of insurance companies that cover the cost of the procedure. Please call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card and ask if the procedure is covered on your plan.

Participitating Insurances

If insurance coverage is not an option, you may consider becoming a self-pay patient. CareCredit is also an available option for you to use for financing. Contact us to learn more.

CareCredit, a GE Money Company, has a variety of payment plans for you. Depending upon your procedure, you can conveniently pay over time with a Low Monthly Payment Plan that fits comfortably into your lifestyle and budget. With low minimum monthly payment options, no up-front costs, no prepayment penalties and no annual fees, you can get your procedure sooner.
 


LAP-BAND® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.