It's pretty much standard procedure to 5 incisions..there is one for the camera, one for the port (the biggest one), one that they slip the band through, one for the tubing and one for the other instruments that they need. However, I totally know how you feel. I scar really easily so I kinda freaked when I found out there were going to be five scars on my abdomen practically advertising my surgery. :thumbup: but i'm almost two weeks post op and they don't look too bad. good luck with your banding!