The ring - or band - is connected by thin tubing to an access port, which the surgeon will adjust by inflating or deflating its inner lining with saline to meet individual needs.

When properly fitted, the ring helps create a new, small upper stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below. This new upper pouch is able to hold only a small amount of food at a time, so patients can feel full sooner and stay full longer, even though they are eating less.

The Lap-Band System also controls the size of the opening between the two parts of the stomach and regulates the flow of food from the upper part to the lower part. In doing so, it helps control appetite.

The Lap-Band System surgery is performed laparoscopically as an outpatient procedure. Most patients return to normal activity in about one week. In fact, most patients are able to return to work within seven to 10 days after the surgery. Additionally, other health problems caused by being overweight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are expected to resolve as patients lose weight after surgery.

Bayhealth’s Bariatric Surgery program is staffed by Rhonda Montgomery, RN, bariatric program coordinator; Dr. John Brebbia, medical director and surgeon; Dr. Tom Barnett, surgeon; a certified nutritionist; and a clinical psychologist.

Other members of the healthcare team are identified on a case-by-case basis for each patient.

Seminars are from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the first and third Wednesday of every month, at Eden Hill Medical Center in Dover and will soon be offered in Milford. Patients should bring their insurance information to the seminar. At the seminar, patients will receive an information packet and health history to complete and bring to their initial scheduled consultation with the physician.

To register for a seminar, call Bayhealth’s Bariatric Program office at 302-430-5454.