Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, or lap-band surgery, was developed as a minimally invasive and reversible option for bariatric surgery that implanted an adjustable silicone ring around the top part of the stomach.
However, in recent years, lap band procedures have become less common because of a high complication rate and because better weight loss options, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgeries, are available. MU Health Care does not perform lap band placements because they do not offer our patients good long-term health benefits or weight loss compared to other procedures, but our team can help with any complications you may face from a previous lap band surgery.
Common complications or side effects of lap-band surgery include:
- Band slippage or failure.
- Band intolerance.
- Food intolerance, including severe nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
- Heartburn, acid reflux or esophagitis.
- Unsuccessful long-term weight loss.
Lap-band adjustment
If you already have a lap band in place, our bariatric team can monitor the device for complications and adjust your band if necessary. If you are a candidate for lap band management, you will meet with one of our bariatric experts to assess your band for correct placement, discuss any issues you have with your band, your medical history and weight loss goals.
If your band is correctly placed and you have seen past success losing weight, our multidisciplinary team of bariatric experts, medical weight loss specialists, and dieti can help you create a plan to continue your weight loss journey.
Lap-band removal and conversion
If you have lap band complications, our bariatric team will work with you to determine whether removal is right for you.
Most lap band removals can be done laparoscopically. The procedure removes the band, tubing, subcutaneous port, sutures and scar tissue around the band to return the stomach to its previous anatomy. For patients wishing to lose weight and who qualify for other bariatric operations, the band can be removed and often during the same operation a different weight loss procedure can be performed.
