Lap-band Revision to Bypass

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston and Katy

Lap band to gastric bypass is a revision bariatric procedure typically performed when patients have not achieved significant weight loss or have experienced complications with their laparoscopic gastric band. It is an effective solution for those who are seeking more sustainable and long-term results in their weight loss journey.

Gastric bypass surgery creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine to this new pouch. This limits the amount of food it can hold and reduces calorie absorption. This procedure can lead to significant weight loss for patients struggling with obesity, helping them move towards a healthier weight safely and effectively.

At Texas Endosurgery Associates, Ricardo Bonnor, MD, FACS, FASMBS  specializes in primary bariatric surgery and revision bariatric surgery. If your lap band has not produced the results you want, and you are considering lap band revision to gastric bypass, we encourage you to get in touch at (281) 579-5638. For more information, schedule a personal consultation at our Houston practice.

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About Lap Band to Bypass Revision

Weight loss is challenging. This is especially true when the device you were so hopeful about fails to deliver the expected results. After its sharp rise in popularity in the early 2000s, the laparoscopic gastric band has now fallen out of favor due to an increased likelihood of long-term complications. (1) In recent years, worldwide data estimates that only 5% of all bariatric surgeries were lap bands, with surgeons and patients overwhelmingly opting for sleeve surgery instead. (2)

If losing weight with a lap band has become a challenge, converting to a gastric bypass can enhance your digestive hormone function and boost your metabolism. During the procedure, Dr. Bonnor makes the stomach much smaller by forming a new pouch and rerouting the small intestine. This adjustment helps you feel full with smaller portions and supports healthier lifestyle changes, leading to more effective weight loss.

Lap Band Issues

A lap band is an adjustable silicone band that is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. This pouch limits the amount of food that can be consumed, leading to a feeling of fullness and promoting weight loss. Although this treatment has provided significant weight loss results for some, for others it has been a source of numerous problems, and even subsequent weight gain or discomfort. Experts estimate that 50%–80% of all gastric bands will need to be removed at some stage via revision surgery. (1)

Band Slippage

Band slippage is the movement or displacement of the gastric band from its original position around the upper part of the stomach. It is important to note that lap band slippage can lead to various symptoms and complications, such as reflux, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and inadequate weight loss.

Esophageal Dilation

In some cases, the lap band may stretch or dilate due to the constant pressure or a blockage in the passage of food. As a result, patients are more likely to experience: (3)

  • GERD – Also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD is a chronic condition characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and throat irritation.
  • Emesis – Emesis is the medical term for nausea and vomiting. As well as band slippage, esophageal dilation can cause these side effects in patients.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is a medical condition that refers to inflammation of the esophagus. Symptoms of esophagitis may include pain or discomfort when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. In three studies, 23% of participants experienced new-onset esophagitis after lap band surgery. (4)

Gastric Erosion

Gastric erosion is characterized by the breakdown of the lining of the stomach. Also known as gastric ulceration or stomach erosion, this condition can cause discomfort and pain, and potentially lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Gastric erosion is usually late-onset, but is a rare complication of the lap band, accounting for 1.46% of complication cases. (5)

Port-Site Infection

The adjustable gastric band requires a port site in the abdomen. Through this port, the surgeon adjusts the band’s tightness by injecting or removing saline. Infections at this site can develop due to bacteria entering through the skin or from other sources. This can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus or fever. Port-site infection has an incidence of 1.4%-6.3%. (6)

Revision Surgery

With revision surgery, patients can achieve their weight loss goals and be free from the discomfort and hassle of lap band-related complications. A revision procedure involves the total removal of the gastric band and the reconstruction of the stomach to create a permanently smaller pouch. Dr. Bonnor divides the stomach into two sections, creating a smaller pouch at the top and bypassing the remainder of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine. This approach combines restrictive and malabsorptive elements, often leading to more substantial weight loss and enhanced health outcomes for patients.

Consultation at Texas Endosurgery

During a personal consultation, Dr. Bonnor will discuss your concerns, medical history, and goals to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation. This dedicated session allows us to provide accurate information, answer any questions, and create a tailored treatment plan that meets your needs.

Contact Texas Endosurgery Associates in Houston at (281) 579-5638. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals through safe and effective revisional bariatric surgery.

Patient Resources

Vitamins & Supplements

After a lap band to gastric bypass procedure, we offer several resources to help you lead a healthier lifestyle and make dietary adjustments smoother. We can recommend several vitamins based on the lifestyle factors we discussed during your consultation. ProCare Health Bariatric Multivitamins are specialized for patients who are recovering from bariatric surgery or had a procedure in the past. We can recommend a personalized supplement plan to increase your strength and optimize your digestion post-procedure.

Nutritional Information

We also provide nutritional information to support you in making the transition to a healthier lifestyle after your procedure. When you meet with Dr. Bonnor during your consultation, please be sure to come prepared with any questions you have about your diet and lifestyle.

Cost of Lap Band Revision to Bypass in Houston

The cost of lap band revision to bypass at Texas Endosurgery Associates will depend on the individualized plan you discuss with Dr. Bonnor. We offer financing and will provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation.

Contact our office or call (281) 579-5638 to learn more about how we can improve your quality of life.

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is revision bariatric surgery safe?

Revision bariatric surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced and board-certified surgeon, such as Dr. Bonnor. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, and complications can occur. Dr. Bonnor will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and explain all potential risks and benefits during your personal consultation.

What does lap band revision recovery entail?

Recovery from lap band revision surgery involves allowing your body time to heal and adapt to the modified stomach structure. This typically includes following a special diet plan, avoiding physical stressors, keeping the treated area clean and well-supported, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Will I have scars from bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is performed using laparoscopic techniques, which involve making small incisions rather than one large incision. As a result, scarring is typically minimal and more discreet compared to traditional open surgical approaches. Incisions are strategically placed in inconspicuous locations to help minimize the visibility of scars as they heal

If I have dietary restrictions, is lap band to bypass surgery a good fit for me?

Dietary restrictions should not affect your ability to have a lap band to bypass surgery unless you have a condition that would affect your ability to heal from the procedure. We can review your medical history during your consultation to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.

References

  1. Falk V, Sheppard C, Kanji A, Birch D, Karmali S, de Gara C. The fate of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band removal. Canadian Journal of Surgery. 2019;6(5):328-333. doi:https://doi.org/10.1503/cjs.001918 
  2. Francesco Saverio Lucido, Scognamiglio G, Nesta G, et al. It is really time to retire laparoscopic gastric banding? Positive outcomes after long-term follow-up: the management is the key. Updates in surgery. 2021;74(2):715-726. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-021-01178-1 
  3. Milone L, Daud A, Durak E, et al. Esophageal dilation after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Surgical Endoscopy. 2008;22(6):1482-1486. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-007-9651-8 
  4. Jong J de, Besselink MG, Ramshorst B van, Gooszen HG, Smout AJ. Effects of adjustable gastric banding on gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal motility: a systematic review. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Published 2010. Accessed August 1, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK79192/ 
  5. Gonzalez LE, Kedar RP. Gastric and colonic erosion caused by laparoscopic gastric band: a case report. BJR Case Reports. 2017;3(3):20160135. doi:https://doi.org/10.1259/bjrcr.20160135