What Is Gastric Band Revision Surgery?
If you’ve been experiencing discomfort due to your Lap Band, gastric band revision surgery may be right for you. Here’s what you need to know.
With the advent of new medical technologies, people looking to lose weight through bariatric surgery have more options than ever before. Gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric band are the most popular solutions available today, and each one can help people experience the many benefits of weight loss. For instance, those who lose weight through bariatric surgery can sleep better, feel happier, and drastically reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each weight loss surgery option. Although gastric band procedures are still performed, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass offer many more benefits, and are generally recommended by doctors. Here’s what you need to know about gastric band revision surgery, as well as the weight loss options that are available afterward.
What Is Gastric Band Revision Surgery?
For some people, proper diet and exercise are not enough to keep off excess weight. Gastric band, also referred to as Lap Band, has been a popular weight loss surgery option for the past 20 years. This procedure reduces the physical size of the stomach by placing a small band around its upper portion, leaving less room for food.
Gastric band is a good option for people who struggle with portion control. Limiting the number of calories the body can consume promotes weight loss — and many people are comforted by the fact that it’s a minimally invasive procedure.
Still, gastric band has fallen out of favor lately because some people have experienced complications. Cases of food intolerance, heartburn, and unsatisfactory weight loss have been reported among gastric band patients.
The good news is that if you experience any discomfort or negative side effects due to gastric band, the procedure is completely reversible with gastric band revision surgery. Gastric band revision surgery laparoscopically removes the band from the upper portion of the stomach and returns it to its normal state.
Life Beyond Gastric Band
After gastric band revision surgery, you can pursue weight loss through lifestyle changes or explore other bariatric surgery options. Three months after gastric band removal, your bariatric surgeon can easily convert to gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, both of which open up a wider range of benefits.
Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass limit food intake just like gastric band, but with a significantly higher success rate. In fact, people who undergo gastric bypass surgery generally lose 60 to 80 percent of their excess weight within one year of the procedure. With these recommended treatments, you’ll feel less hungry and consume less food, and also lose more weight than you would with gastric band.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, the licensed medical professionals at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors can walk you through all of your options. They’ll explain the different surgeries we offer — including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band revision surgery — and provide support throughout your weight loss journey.