Lap Band Revision Surgery

Lap Band Revision Surgery

Overview:

Lap band revision surgery is currently the most commonly performed revision weight loss procedure. Several years ago, adjustable gastric banding also known as lap band procedure was very common. It was marketed as safe, effective and minimally invasive. Unfortunately, the majority of Lap Band patients failed to loose weight. Many of them were over-restricted in hopeless attempts at promoting weight loss. Esophageal over-restriction resulted in heartburn, food regurgitation, daily vomiting, chronic cough and nighttime symptoms causing aspiration pneumonia.

When is Lap Band revision surgery performed?

All Lap band patients need to follow up on a regular basis with an experienced bariatric surgeon. At Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center, we don’t think that a nurse practitioner is qualified to deal with band adjustments. If you have a Lap band and have not lost your excess weight please give us a call. If you have a Lap Band and you suffer from heartburn, food regurgitation, inability to tolerated regular diet, vomiting, pain, daily cough and nighttime symptoms please get evaluated by a heartburn and acid reflux specialist (www.houstonheartburn.com). Do not take antacid medications to treat your heartburn in the setting of Lap Band. Do not Take cough medications to treat your daily cough in the setting of a Lap Band. Don’t mask your symptoms. Treat the underlying cause. Your band may be too tight. In some instances the band may slip or erode. Following thorough evaluation, your experienced weight loss surgeon may decide to remove the band to alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage to the esophagus. Additional surgeries may be required to eliminate your symptoms or promote weight loss.

How does Lap Band revision surgery work?

Lap Band removal is indicated to alleviate over-restriction symptoms and prevent further damage to esophageal motility. By removing the obstruction esophageal motility recovers and symptoms resolve. Sometimes, the damage is irreversible. In these cases, band removal alone is not enough. Additional surgeries are needed to fix the problem. Most commonly the band causes a hiatal hernia to form and weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle causing severe acid reflux. In such cases, we recommend a hiatal hernia repair with gastric bypass surgery.

Is Lap Band conversion to gastric sleeve a good option for me?

Many factors are taken into consideration when deciding whether or not you are a good candidate for Lap Band conversion to gastric sleeve. After thorough assessment and physical examination, Dr. Darido will discuss the various treatment options that will be of benefit to you. Around 60% of our patients qualify for gastric sleeve surgery after Lap Band removal.

Who should do your revision surgery?

It is extremely important to choose a knowledgeable bariatric and acid reflux surgeon with expertise in advanced laparoscopic foregut surgery to perform your Lap band revision. Why? Lap Band affects esophageal function and motility. Lap band causes the development of esophageal diverticula and hiatal hernias. Lap Band conversion to sleeve or gastric bypass surgery must address all these issues to achieve the best possible outcome.

How much does weight loss surgery revision cost?

Surgery cost varies depending on your insurance plan. Our insurance and finance specialists are available to answer all your financial questions.

What is my recovery time?

You will usually spend a night or two in the hospital after surgery. It takes around 10 days before you can go back to work.

Lets get started

If you currently have a Lap Band, we encourage you to contact our office for a private consultation. Dr. Darido will offer you a thorough evaluation and you and Dr. Darido will formulate a safe and effective treatment plan.

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