Harrison General Surgery – Jason Harrison, MD, PA

Dr. Harrison specializes in gastric banding (a.k.a., LAP-BAND®) and gastric sleeve procedures for the surgical management of obesity.

The LAP-BAND® is an adjustable silicon band that is fastened around the upper portion of the stomach and tightened like a belt, to create a smaller pouch at the top of the stomach. A balloon attached to the inside of the LAP-BAND® is then filled with saline solution through a port nestled just beneath the skin on the abdomen. This balloon is used to adjust the tightness of the LAP-BAND®, and LAP-BAND® patients are required to visit their surgeon several times a year to adjust the band, as needed. Because LAP-BAND® surgery is done  laparoscopically, patients have a faster recovery time and less chance of complications than patients undergoing a gastric bypass or vertical banded gastroplasty procedure.

The sleeve gastrectomy–or gastric sleeve–procedure involves dividing the stomach into two vertical sections using surgical staples, and approximately 85% of the stomach is removed. The remaining portion of the stomach, which is shaped somewhat like a banana, of food that the stomach can hold is drastically reduced. This procedure is not reversible; however, it presents less likelihood of complications than gastric bypass surgery, which can cause vitamin and protein deficiency. Also, patients who undergo the sleeve gastrectomy have fewer restrictions on the types of food that they can eat.

To learn more about the LAP-BAND® and gastric sleeve procedures, please join us for one of our informational meetings at our Arlington office. You will have a chance to meet Dr. Harrison and other members of our staff, ask questions, and make an informed decision about which surgical option may be right for you.