The idea behind a lap-band surgery is to create a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach with controlled and adjustable stoma, without stapling, thus limiting food intake. This operation is performed under general anesthesia, and can last between 30 minutes and one hour. The anesthetics that render the patient unconscious also inhibit the patient from breathing adequately. Therefore, the anesthesiologist must assist patient breathing during the course of the operation. Breathing assistance is done by placing a small breathing tube (endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway) into the patient's windpipe(trachea) after the patient is anesthetized. This tube is removed while the patient is waking up and therefore most patients do not have recollection of this event.