Lap band weight loss surgery is an alternantive to gastric bypass. In a lap band procedure, an incision is made into the abdomen and a band is placed around the stomach to create a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach. This limits the amount of food that a person can eat at one time.

The lap band weight loss surgery is a reversible surgery that makes a patient feel full very quickly and reduces their intake of food. A patient having lap band surgery may lose up to 70% of the excess fat on their bodies. After the surgery is perfromed there are dietary resrtictions that a patient must follow. Carbonated drinks are not allowed at any time after the surgery as the stomach may expand due to the carbonation and might cause the band to slip. Certain foods may be tough for the stomach to digest such as spicy and fried foods, high fiber foods, and certain types of tough meats.