Laparoscopic gastric banding, simply called lap band or lapband, is a weight loss surgical procedure. The procedure involves the creation of a pouch around the stomachs top part using an inflatable silicone band. A port that will help you in inflating or deflating the band is attached to the band and placed under the skin. This port is accessible with a specially-designed needle that injects or removes a saline solution to expand or collapse the band respectively. This is the safest surgical option for patients with a BMI of over 40 and for lighter patients with such diseases as type 2-diabetes and sleep apnea.

The procedure is advantageous in that it is quick and simple, it comes with lower operative risks, and the band can be removed (it is not permanent).

Houston is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and the 4th most populous in the U.S. with 2,099,451 people in the 2010 U.S. census, and over 5,946,800 in the greater metropolitan area. Given the high population of the city and the fact that Houston, like most of Texas, has an obesity problem, it follows that there are many Lapband Houston surgeons. Surgery should not be taken lightly and you should therefore, not go for the first surgeon you come across. Learn what makes a good plastic surgeon.

An important quality in a Lapband Houston surgeon is specialization in lapband surgery. Going for a specialist is important because the surgeon will have the relevant experience and training. A good surgeon is one who has done several lap band procedures. Ask for a portfolio and follow up with past patients.

Go for a surgeon who has been trained in an accredited institution. A good Lapband Houston surgeon is one who is registered to practice in Texas. Consider whether the plastic surgeon is a member of a professional body since professional bodies have strict codes of ethics that members have to abide by. A good surgeon is one who has good standing with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau or BBB.

Consider the craftsmanship of the lapband surgeon. According to Aristotle, a famous Greek scientist and philosopher, art is the "ability to predict the outcome before it shapes itself in the material". A good surgeon is one who can predict the outcome of his/her surgery. The surgeon should also have good artistic qualities, meaning he/she should have great feeling and knowledge of form and proportion. The only way to determine the level of craftsmanship and artistic qualities in your surgeon is to look at past works done through independent reviews.

An important quality in a lapband surgeon is good communication ability. It is only through understanding what you really want and explaining to you what the surgery entails that the procedure will have the desired effect. Other important qualities are empathy and availability for post-operative consultations. Cost considerations should be secondary if you want the best surgeon.