Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band®) Problems & Removal in New Jersey
Evaluation and Treatment for Patients with Previous Gastric Band Surgery
Adjustable gastric banding was once one of the most common bariatric procedures. Many patients still have gastric bands and may develop symptoms or complications years after surgery. Dr. Bao Nasri provides comprehensive evaluation to determine the safest and most appropriate treatment.
What Is an Adjustable Gastric Band?
The adjustable gastric band is a silicone device placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. The band slows the passage of food and helps patients feel full with smaller meals. Unlike gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, the stomach and intestines are not permanently divided or removed. The band can be tightened or loosened through a port beneath the skin.
Why Is the Lap-Band Less Common Today?
Long-term experience showed that some patients developed complications or did not achieve adequate long-term weight loss. Today, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are more commonly performed. However, many patients continue to do well with their gastric bands and do not require additional surgery.
Common Problems After Gastric Band Surgery
- Difficulty swallowing
- Food getting stuck
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Frequent vomiting
- Band slippage
- Band erosion
- Esophageal enlargement (esophageal dilation)
- Port or tubing problems
- Inadequate weight loss
- Weight regain
When Should a Gastric Band Be Evaluated?
Contact your surgeon if you experience:
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing liquids
- Severe reflux
- Chest discomfort after eating
- Food intolerance
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Sudden loss of restriction
- Weight regain despite appropriate eating habits
How Is a Gastric Band Evaluated?
- Review of your previous bariatric surgery
- Physical examination
- Upper GI contrast study (swallow study)
- Upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Laboratory testing
- CT scan if indicated
Do I Need My Gastric Band Removed?
Not always. Some patients benefit from simple band adjustment or temporary deflation. Band removal may be recommended for persistent vomiting, severe reflux, band slippage, band erosion, esophageal enlargement, chronic pain, or poor weight loss with significant symptoms.
Can My Gastric Band Be Converted to Another Procedure?
Many patients who have their gastric band removed choose conversion to another bariatric procedure. Options may include:
- Gastric sleeve
- Gastric bypass
- SADI-S
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I simply have my band removed?
Will I regain weight after band removal?
Can band removal and conversion be performed during the same operation?
Is gastric band removal more difficult than the original surgery?
Related topics & common questions
Weight Regain After Gastric Band (Lap-Band®)
Weight regain may occur because of a loose band, enlarged stomach pouch, band slippage, esophageal dilation, snacking, reduced activity, or metabolic changes.
Acid Reflux After Gastric Band
Reflux may occur because the band changes how food passes through the upper stomach or because the esophagus becomes enlarged over time. Band removal may be recommended for severe, persistent reflux caused by slippage or esophageal enlargement.
Band Slippage vs. Band Erosion
Band Slippage
Part of the stomach moves upward through the band. Symptoms may include sudden vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and severe reflux.
Band Erosion
The band gradually wears through the stomach wall. Usually diagnosed with upper endoscopy and generally requires band removal.
One-Stage vs. Two-Stage Band Conversion
One-stage conversion removes the band and performs the new procedure in the same operation when inflammation and scarring are minimal. A staged approach may be safer when there is band erosion, infection, or significant stomach enlargement.
Should I Have My Gastric Band Removed?
If your band is functioning well and you are maintaining weight loss without symptoms, routine removal is not automatically recommended. Removal may be appropriate for persistent reflux, difficulty swallowing, band slippage, erosion, or significant weight regain despite appropriate adjustments.