If you have regained your weight or continue to struggle with obesity after a lap band surgery (a type of bariatric surgery), then undergoing a lap band revision is the right option for effective weight loss. Lap band revision refers to adjusting or removing the lap band and considering more effective and improved procedures to achieve desired weight loss.
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What is a Lap band? +
Lap band (endoscopic gastric band sleeve) is a commonly performed bariatric surgery. It is a restrictive procedure which reduces the size of the stomach. In this procedure, a silicone band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach laparoscopically (through small incisions made in the abdomen). The band helps to create a small pouch in the stomach and reduces the amount of food it can hold.
The band is made accessible through an access port under the skin. The extent of stomach constriction could be altered externally through adjusting the band size by injecting saline solution into it. Many conditions such as altitude changes may decrease or increase the band tightness. So, the procedure demands frequent visits for saline refills during the first year after the procedure for appropriate constriction of the stomach and effective weight loss. Unlike other gastric sleeve procedures, the gastric band procedure has an advantage of being reversible and the stomach can return to its original size.
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When is a lap band revision needed? +
The most common reason for lap band revision is inadequate weight loss or weight regain. Other side effects of the procedure that may require revision procedures may include:
- Slipping of the gastric band
- Band intolerance causing nausea and vomiting
- Indigestion
- Infection through band or port
- Severe heart burn or esophagitis
- Blood clots
- Bowel function complications
If you are experiencing any of the above complication, a lap band revision may be recommended for you.
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What is done during lap band revision? +
A lap band revision is a laparoscopic procedure. In this procedure the band is adjusted by tightening or loosening or a slipped band is replaced. Lap band revision either by adjustment or replacement contributes to further weight loss.
If you are experiencing complications due to gastric band such as nausea, vomiting, band erosion, removal of the lap band is considered. However, after removal of lap band, the stomach regains its original size and shape. If it is left as such without undergoing other bariatric procedures, you are more likely to regain your previous weight. Taking up other bariatric procedures is highly recommended. The common procedures considered after lap band include sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.
Lap band removal
Lap band removal is a laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopic instruments are inserted through small incisions (new or previous) and help to cut the band and the scar tissue around the band. The band is pulled out from around the stomach. Any sutures done in the upper part of the stomach to prevent band movement are removed. Finally, the subcutaneous access port is removed.
Lap band conversion to other procedures
After removal of the gastric band, the physician may proceed with performing sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. If extensive scarring happens to the tissue due to lap band, these procedures are performed few months later, after the tissue is completely healed.
During sleeve gastrectomy, a portion of the stomach is removed to reduce the size of the stomach. The new stomach pouch looks roughly like a banana in shape and size.
During gastric bypass, a small gastric pouch is created in the upper part of the stomach to process the food consumed. The lower larger portion is bypassed, and the small intestine is connected to the pouch. If you have extensive scarring, gastric bypass is a better option as it can be done without affecting the scarred tissue.
Both the procedures help in weight loss by decreasing the amount of food consumed and changing the hormones involved in appetite.
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Advantages of conversion to other bariatric surgeries +
Significant weight loss: With conversion of gastric band to other bariatric surgeries, better long term weight loss can be achieved.
Improved quality of life: The disadvantages with lap band such as the need for frequent refills or adjustments can be eliminated. Other symptoms like nausea and vomiting are less common in gastric bypass when compared to lap band.
Fewer complications: Long-term complications are much less in gastric bypass when compared to lap band surgery.
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Outlook +
Lap band revision is a great option to consider when the lap band fails to produce significant weight loss results. Several studies ascertain that lap band revision is successful in increasing the weight loss that is long lasting.
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