LAP-BAND® Revision Surgery

A Second Chance for Long Term Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery is a valuable tool to treat obesity, but patients who have had LAP-BAND® surgery may occasionally experience stalls in weight loss, and some may regain significant weight. For many LAP-Band patients who are unhappy with their results, a revision procedure may be the best way to regain health and long-term weight loss. At St. Louis Bariatrics, Dr. Jay Michael Snow offers LAP-BAND Revision procedures to help people achieve lasting weight loss success.

• Reasons for LAP-BAND Revision Surgery
• Types of Gastric Band Revision Surgery
• LAP-BAND Removal Surgery
• LAP-BAND Revision: What to Expect
• Am I a Candidate for LAP-BAND Revision Surgery?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Lap Band Revision Surgery

Reasons for LAP-BAND Revision Surgery

The LAP-BAND, also known as an adjustable gastric band, is an effective weight loss procedure for some patients. However, some gastric band patients may seek a revision procedure due to:

• Inadequate weight loss
• Regained weight
• Gastric band intolerance
• Complications such as band slip or band erosion

Dr. Snow and his experienced team are able to tailor a plan and procedure to each patient’s individual situation and goals—whether it be removal, replacement, or conversion to another type of weight loss surgery.

Types of Gastric Band Revision Surgery

There are several options for gastric band revision:

• Gastric Band to Gastric Sleeve Revision In a revision to gastric sleeve surgery, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, a portion of the stomach will be excised after the band is removed, creating a permanently smaller stomach. Learn more about gastric sleeve.
• Gastric Band to Gastric Bypass Revision Gastric Bypass involves removing part of the stomach to restrict food intake as well as rerouting intestines to limit calorie absorption. Learn more about gastric bypass.

LAP-BAND Removal Surgery

Some patients require gastric band removal without an additional revisional procedure. In some cases, a patient may experience complications from the gastric band but may not be a candidate for a revision surgery. LAP-BAND patients experiencing side effects such as acid reflux, chronic heartburn, or abdominal pain, or complications such as band slippage, may seek band removal but do not wish to have a revision procedure. Dr. Snow is experienced in removal of gastric bands and can typically perform this surgery in less than 1 hour using the original incision placement while the patient is under general anesthesia. The gastric band removal surgery is typically an outpatient procedure.

LAP-BAND Revision: What to Expect

Preparing for LAP-BAND Revision Surgery

The first step is a consultation appointment with Dr. Snow. He will review your medical records, discuss your concerns and goals, and perform an exam. Once you and Dr. Snow have decided on your treatment plan, he will give you detailed pre-op instructions.

Your Procedure

Gastric band revision is typically performed with general anesthesia and may be an outpatient procedure or may require an overnight hospital stay, depending on your needs. Dr. Snow will begin by removing the LAP-BAND. The next steps will depend on your treatment plan, but the majority of procedures are performed with laparoscopic technique, which results in smaller incisions, less visible scarring, and a quicker recovery.

Recovery After LAP-BAND Revision Surgery

Recovery time can vary depending on your treatment plan, but most patients require one week off of work and several weeks away from strenuous activity. Dr. Snow and his team will be available to help you after your bariatric procedure, including follow-up appointments and diet and exercise guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About LAP-BAND Revision Surgery

Am I a Candidate for LAP-BAND Revision Surgery?

Before having a revision surgery, it is important to explore all avenues of jumpstarting weight loss. If you have an adjustable band and you are experiencing difficulty losing or maintaining a healthy weight, or if you are experiencing complications such as abdominal pain or reflux, you may be a candidate for LAP-BAND revision surgery.

How will I know which procedure is right for me?

If you are unhappy with your LAP-BAND, whether due to complications or excess weight, we can help. Dr. Snow can explain your bariatric revision surgery options and let you know if gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, or a band removal may be right for you.

What if I had my original gastric band surgery somewhere else?

Dr. Snow also treats patients who have had their original LAP-BAND procedure with another practice. Wherever you had your initial procedure, you can contact us if you are seeking band maintenance, guidance or a second opinion about available options.

Why should I choose St. Louis Bariatrics?

Dr. Snow and the entire team at St. Louis Bariatrics are dedicated to helping people live healthier, more active lives. We have helped many people in St. Louis and beyond find weight loss success. Dr. Snow is a highly experienced and board-certified bariatric surgeon who believes that everyone deserves a second chance at a healthier life.

Contact Us Today

We believe you can achieve weight loss success. Our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout your weight loss journey. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your weight loss revision surgery consultation with Dr. Snow.

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