Lap band (gastric band) or adjustable lap band revision is a procedure that removes a lap band to an alternative weight loss method. If the silicone band has slipped out of place, or the lining of the stomach was stretched, revising your lap band can help you address these issues and more effectively achieve your weight loss goals.
Dr. Ricardo Bonnor, MD, FACS, FASMBS is a board-certified bariatric surgeon who has worked extensively with weight loss patients to understand their needs. He specializes in procedures that optimize digestive function for long-lasting results.
Contact Texas Endosurgery Associates at (281) 579-5638 to learn more about how we can improve your well-being with this procedure that has helped thousands of patients maintain a stable weight.
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About Lap Band Revision Options
Lap bands can help you lose weight because the adjustable band changes the size of the stomach to increase feelings of satiety and facilitate appetite control. However, some patients find that a lap band procedure alone is not effective for them in the long run. (1) The band can slip out of place or cause unpleasant digestive issues. Also, adjusting to smaller portion sizes can be difficult, and if patients continue to eat larger portion sizes, the lining of the stomach can become stretched, even with the band in place.
A lap band revision can help you find a more effective solution for achieving your weight loss goals. There are several different lap band revision options for improving your quality of life.
Lap Band Removal
Lap band removal is available for anyone who no longer wants to have a lap band, is experiencing complications, or wants to try different weight loss methods. If you are experiencing food intolerance, unwanted weight gain, difficulty swallowing, discomfort, or other complications, consult with Dr. Bonnor for lap band removal. Patients who get their lap band removed may try non-surgical weight loss methods such as glucagon-like peptide-1 medications (semaglutide or tirzepatide), as they can effectively curb appetites and allow for significant weight loss.
Lap Band Revision to Gastric Sleeve
Lap band revision to sleeve is a procedure that removes the lap band and reduces the size of the stomach with a gastric sleeve to further improve weight loss outcomes. The slimmer stomach pouch can help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions of food and help you achieve a lower weight. With a smaller stomach size, your body can produce less ghrelin– a hormone that helps your body regulate appetite– which is also linked to more effective weight loss. (3)
Lap Band Revision to Bypass
Lap band revision to bypass can provide long-term weight loss results by creating a smaller stomach pouch and re-routing the pouch to the small intestine. Redirecting the small intestine allows your gastrointestinal hormones to function more effectively and regulate your digestive system for better weight management. (2) The hormones also help to create feelings of satiety after meals so you can feel more satisfied after making the dietary changes Dr. Bonnor recommends to support your health.
Candidates & Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Bonnor will discuss the current status of your lap band with you to determine the best treatment plan. Dr. Bonnor will determine whether or not a lap band revision is right for you.
Suitable candidates:
- Are suffering from acid reflux or a hiatal hernia
- Are healthy, nonsmokers–or are willing to quit for a time–who take good care of their bodies
- Do not have any conditions that would affect their ability to heal
- Are willing to take the necessary steps to lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a consistent weight (including diet and exercise)
Recovery & Results
After the procedure, you will need to take approximately 2 weeks off of work to rest and allow your body to recover. Full recovery can take several weeks, depending on your specific procedure, and you will need to limit physical exercise and strenuous activities to allow your body to heal. It is important to keep in mind that, in the initial stages of your recovery, you may be required to follow a liquid diet and slowly incorporate soft foods until you can begin eating normally again.
After you fully heal from your lap band revision procedures, you may notice that any unwanted effects caused by your lap band or associated complications have significantly diminished.
The Cost of Lap Band Revision in Houston
Please contact our office or call (281) 579-5638 to learn more about how we can improve your quality of life.
FAQ
What are the common reasons patients seek lap band revision options?
If patients have not been able to reach their weight loss goals, experience band slippage, or are struggling with inflammation or other complications, they might request to review their lap band revision options.
How long is the recovery period for different lap band revision options?
While most patients can return to daily activities after 2 weeks, full recovery can take longer depending on the complexity of the procedure.
References
- Laparoscopic revision from LAP-BAND® to gastric bypass. Surgical Endoscopy. March 2007 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-007-9223-y
- Gastrointestinal hormones and bariatric surgery-induced weight loss. Obesity. March 2013 doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20364
- Cummings DE, Weigle DS, Frayo RS, et al. Plasma Ghrelin Levels after Diet-Induced Weight Loss or Gastric Bypass Surgery. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;346(21):1623-1630. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa012908
- It is really time to retire laparoscopic gastric banding? Positive outcomes after long-term follow-up: the management is the key. Updates in surgery. October 2021 doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-021-01178-1