Here’s When We Recommend Lap Band Revision Surgery

While adjustable gastric banding (AGB), also called lap band, was a popular weight loss procedure 15 years ago, it’s fallen out of favor due to disappointing results and complications.

At Transform Bariatrics in Greenbelt and Germantown, Maryland, our bariatric surgeon, Dr. Hitesh Amin, performs lap-band revision procedures for people unhappy with the procedure's results and those struggling with related complications.

Here, we want to explain when and why we recommend lap-band revision.

About lap-band

Folks were drawn to lap band surgery because it's a less invasive approach to weight loss. Unlike gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, lap band surgery doesn't require removing any part of your stomach to get results. Instead, the procedure uses an adjustable device that goes around the stomach to reduce size and limit food intake.

Lap band surgery is a good choice for people who are not ready to commit to weight loss surgery. It's also less likely to cause post-surgery complications and is reversible.

However, lap-band weight loss is slow and not as dramatic as the loss we see with other weight loss procedures. Additionally, some people experience complications like band slippage or heartburn. Weight regain is also common. 

As our skills, tools, and techniques for weight loss surgery continue to evolve, we can help folks achieve long-term results using other methods, including less invasive options, like gastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).

If you're unhappy with results or complications from your lap band, revision surgery is an option.

Reasons for lap-band revision

We may recommend lap-band revision surgery for many reasons, but we only proceed with it after conducting a comprehensive evaluation. Revision surgery isn't right for everyone. It's a more complicated procedure with greater risks. 

During our evaluation, we want to ensure revision surgery is the best choice for you based on your health history, concerns, and goals. We often recommend lap-band revision surgery for people who are:

• Unhappy with weight loss results
• Experiencing weight regain
• Having unwanted side effects 
• Struggling with complications

Revision surgery makes sense if the lap band doesn't provide the desired results. 

Lap-band revision options

We customize lap-band revision procedures based on individual needs and goals. However, surgery usually involves the removal of the original band. Then, based on goals and needs, we may move forward and convert the lap band into:

Sleeve gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is by far the most popular weight loss surgery. For this procedure, we surgically remove the outer portion of your stomach to create a banana-like sleeve that helps limit intake. 

This procedure also removes the part of the stomach that secretes hunger hormones so you feel less hungry.

Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass is the original weight loss procedure. For this surgery, we divide the stomach to create a small pouch and attach it to the small intestine, bypassing the first section of the small intestine. This procedure limits the amount of food you eat and decreases calorie absorption.

We use minimally invasive tools and techniques when performing lap-band revision surgery, and you may go home the same day. However, you can expect some downtime for recovery. 

You must also follow a diet protocol to support the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. 

When to schedule a consultation

We know the frustration you feel when you invest in your health and fail to get the desired results. But you have options. If you're unhappy with the results from your lap band or the complications are taking over your life, it's time to talk about lap band revision.

Dr. Amin has helped thousands of people achieve their weight and health goals and can help you, too. As one of the best bariatric surgeons in the area, Dr. Amin offers the latest weight loss treatments. We also do our best to make it affordable.

Don't wait—call us today or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Amin. He can discuss lap-band revision surgery and make recommendations that can help you reach your goals.