Bariatric surgery is a weight loss procedure that dramatically improves a patient’s appearance and overall health. Of the three main options, Lap-Band surgery, which involves placing an adjustable band on the top of your stomach, is the least invasive and can be revised or reversed.
Despite its advantages and benefits, however, living with gastric bands may become increasingly complex for some people.
We suggest that you continue reading to know the potential causes of gastric band removal and what to expect following this procedure.
When Is the Right Time to Remove Your Gastric Band?
When your adjustable gastric band no longer serves its intended purpose, causes discomfort, or impacts your quality of life, it might be better to have it removed. Your doctor should make this medical decision based on your symptoms and the procedure’s overall impact.
While gastric bands are designed to withstand long use, about 60% of patients typically have them removed after a decade. On average, about 70% of patients who undergo this procedure will require revision due to complications and insufficient results. Common causes for band removal include band slippage, gastric band erosion, and infections or complications. (1)
Pre-Operative Medical Assessment
You must undergo comprehensive medical testing to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure. Blood samples will be taken for various assessments. Your surgeon might ask specialists to understand your medical history and condition better and study your imaging results.
Before band removal surgery, you’ll be asked to follow specific dietary guidelines in the week leading to the big day. Overall, this stage isn’t that different from when you were preparing for your initial gastric band surgery.
A Revision Surgery Might Be Recommended
You might be advised to switch to other surgical alternatives if you haven’t lost enough weight despite proper band adjustment. Your options could include sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or a combination of both, named single anastomosis duodenal-ileal (SADI) surgery.
But why consider revision surgery? Gastric banding may be the least invasive procedure, but it also yields the least dramatic results. Patients with Lap-Bands were only able to lose 30% of their excess weight in six months and around 50% to 60% in four years, on average. These figures are far less than the median results generated by other bariatric surgery options, according to a 2023 comparative research analysis. More than optimizing outcomes, a gastric surgery revision might also be needed to improve a patient’s health and quality of life following an initial procedure. (2)
Still, seeking the services of a reputable clinic is critical in the success of the surgery. Their team of highly experienced specialists can precisely pinpoint the best solution for your case.
Is It Safe?
The quick answer is yes when done by an experienced and qualified practitioner. Generally, every corrective procedure carries a higher risk of complications than the original procedure. That’s why the skills and expertise of your chosen bariatric surgeon really matter.
Note that the rise in bariatric procedures has increased the instances of redo or revisional bariatric surgeries (RBS), including gastric band removal. Worldwide, RBS accounts for seven percent of total bariatric procedures. It’s also the third most common type of weight loss surgery in the US. (3)
What Happens During the Surgery?
During the procedure, your surgeon will first deflate the band. Then, they’ll make several small incisions to access and remove it. After removing the device, they’ll ensure your organs are working well. If issues are spotted, they'll address them immediately to prevent infections or complications. Bariatric surgeons often use advanced tools and techniques to make the process as least invasive as possible.
If you’re transitioning to another form of bariatric surgery, this will be performed during the gastric band removal session. Doing so minimizes recovery time and reduces surgical risks altogether.
How Long Does It Last?
The removal procedure could take between one to three hours, depending on how complex it is and whether you’re pursuing revisional surgery simultaneously. Your surgeon will carefully evaluate your situation to determine the best approach. For example, the presence of scar tissue from your previous lap band procedure can make the surgery more challenging and lengthier.
What Does the Recovery Process Look Like?
The recovery process will significantly vary from patient to patient. Generally, though, most people will be able to return to work within two weeks. Full recovery can take up to six weeks, particularly for those who’ve undergone simultaneous conversion surgery.
Expect pain and discomfort in the first few days, which often goes away with prescribed pain medications. Your diet will progress gradually, starting with clear liquids and advancing to soft foods over several weeks. It's crucial to follow your surgeon’s guidelines carefully and avoid habits that harm your health. Doing so helps prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
What Are the Potential Non-Medical Challenges?
As you begin this new chapter, you may encounter several challenges that require attention and strategic planning. For example:
- Adjusting to new eating patterns
- Maintaining motivation without physical restriction
- Addressing emotional aspects of eating
- Building new healthy habits
Understanding these challenges ahead of time lets you develop effective strategies and seek appropriate support when needed. Additionally, gastric band removal could be an emotional journey for some, particularly for those who’ve developed medical problems or complications. Working with a mental health professional helps you process these emotions better as you build healthy coping strategies.
Will I Regain Lost Weight?
Your success in long-term weight loss depends on several factors. If you’ve had your gastric band removed, keeping your excess weight off can be challenging—if you’ve chosen not to go through another bariatric surgery procedure.
For reference, the study cited earlier found that sleeve gastrectomy patients managed to lose 67% of their excess weight in six months and 81.2% within a year. Gastric bypass patients, on average, had their excess weight reduced by 77% from the first to the fifth year. (2)
Still, many patients can successfully transition to other methods of weight control by working closely with nutritionists and fitness experts. On top of this, they must develop consistent exercise routines and implement sustainable dietary changes.
Being fully committed is key to lasting health improvements. Without it, you might not be able to keep your desired weight and fitness goals.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what happens before, during, and after a gastric band removal surgery can help you physically and mentally prepare for the procedure. Even so, note that the journey can be unique for each person. There’s no foolproof strategy you could use for smooth recovery and transition. Thankfully, your bariatric surgery team will guide you through each step. They can also provide the support you need for the next phase of successful weight management.
Citations
1. "Long-term outcomes of gastric banding: Experience of a tertiary care center specialized in bariatric surgery," Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667008921000033
2. "Recent advances in bariatric surgery: a narrative review of weight loss procedures," Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10718334/
3. "The outcomes of Re-Redo Bariatric Surgery—results from multicenter Polish Revision Obesity Surgery Study (PROSS)," Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-52817-7
