Home
Gastric Sleeve Surgery After Failed Lap Band Surgery

Gastric Sleeve Surgery After Failed Lap Band Surgery

Question Below Submitted By:  

Debi (a patient from Monterey, CA)

I had lap band surgery which worked great… I lost over 100 pounds (45 kg). But my band slipped (probably my over-stuffing) and it stopped working.

I then had a 2nd lap band surgery. This time nothing worked, no sensations, no warnings of full feeling, no signals felt at all. My doctor warned that a second surgery is not always as helpful or may not work at all.

Now after a 45+ pound (20+ kg) gain, my surgeon suggested gastric sleeve surgery. Now I am considering it, but I am concerned about the fact it is not reversible. Also, what if I stretch out the small stomach, then what?

I also have nutrient absorption concerns and am worried that my long-term health issues will come back (i.e.: acid reflux, sleep apnea, back problems. knee problems, etc.).

Advertisement
Bariatric Surgery Source
01.

Expert Responses to the Question Above

Thoughts about your concerns

by: Jeff

Hi Debi,

I'm sorry to hear about all you're going through, but it's good to see that you're resolved to fix the problems.

1) "I am concerned about the fact [gastric sleeve surgery] is not reversible."

Unfortunately, lap band surgery is the only relatively easy procedure to reverse.

But if you're committed to using bariatric surgery as a tool for long-term weight loss and health improvement, your mentality should shift to "what other procedures are out there and which is the best for me, taking into account my concerns."

Other than lap band surgery, the 3 most widely accepted procedures are Roux en Y gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery and duodenal switch surgery (click the links for a thorough review of each).

On the positive side, gastric sleeve surgery does not "rearrange" your digestive system like gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery.

Instead, it only reduces the size of your stomach.

It also doesn't include placing a foreign object in your body as does the lap band.

Therefore, it's a nice "in between" in terms of what it does to your digestive system.

2) "What if I stretch out the small stomach, then what?"

This is one of the long-term "unknowns" of gastric sleeve surgery, and it is a possibility. Fortunately, there are a few promising non-invasive procedures (no incisions required) for reducing the size of the stomach or stoma (opening between stomach and small intestines).

Click here for the 5 procedures that address weight gain after bariatric surgery.

3) "I also have nutrient absorption concerns and am worried that my long-term health issues will come back." Since gastric sleeve surgery doesn't bypass/remove any of your small intestines, it does not result in as much malabsorption as gastric bypass or duodenal switch.

As a result, it doesn't come with some more problematic malabsorptive side effects like dumping syndrome.

Regarding health issues, the research so far indicates that gastric sleeve surgery has a comparable impact to the other procedures. It may even result in a reduced risk of GERD vs the other procedures.

I hope this helps, and I encourage you to read the Gastric Sleeve Surgery page in its entirety to learn more.

Take care,

Jeff
Bariatric Surgery Source

DISCLAIMER: The above is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It should support, not replace, the relationship between the patient and his/her physician(s).

02.

Patient Responses to the Question Above

switching from band to sleeve

by: Vicky

When deciding what to do about my band and clicking onto this website, I saw your check list of reason's to remove the band.

I checked everyone! So I know I am doing the right thing. My Dr agreed with me. But I did not know much about the procedure and wanted to look into what others have done and what has worked.

Lets face it, unless you have had any procedure done, you honestly can't answer questions about it!

I am excited to have my surgery before the end of 2015!

Lap-band to the sleeve

by: Anonymous

I wanted to get the sleeve two years ago, when I had a revision done, and I'm still having problems with the lap-band, so I want to be able to get the sleeve and have the lap-band taken out, too many hold ups.

Gastric Sleeve SUrgery after failed Lap Band

by: Chris

I have the exact same situation as Debi - my band slipped and I had it repaired and now it doesn't work.

My question is, how likely is it to get insurance to pay for another surgery of this nature?

I certainly could not afford to pay for this procedure out of pocket in it's entirety.

Thanks!

Lap Band to Sleeve

by: Ric Allen

On the 28th of this month I will under go the sleeve after having the band for 2 years and only loosing 15 pounds. Will let you know how this goes. I am mentally ready for this.

How common

by: Tabatha

Does anyone know how common it is to change to the gastric sleeve after a band slip?

I have a consultation with my band surgeon this week to discuss the sleeve, which I am very interested in after a severe slipping of my band. It was so bad that I was to the point of horrible vomiting and reflux every night no matter what position I slept.

Also, does anyone know how is it for insurance purposes? Do they usually understand?

Are there reflux issues with the gastric sleeve? Had band removed because of severe reflux issues.

by: Deniese

I was a gastric band patient for several years. I had reflux periodically with the band and, at one time, had to have the fill completely removed. I later had a very small amount put back in but continued to have occasional reflux issues.

I had to have the band removed about 8 1/2 months ago because the reflux had gotten so bad that I was unable to sleep and at times keep food down. I had to be hospitalized because I had a lung abscess and aspiration pneumonia. The band had slipped and had to be removed.

Since then, I have gained approximately 45 pounds and I can only manage to yo-yo 3 or 4 pounds. Very discouraged.

Would I be a good candidate for the sleeve procedure or would I more than likely have the same issues?

Lap Band and Sleeve

by: Therese

If I have sleeve surgery will the doc remove my lap band first?

Sleeve to lap band

by: Jessica Galindez

I had my gastric sleeve around 2012 and since 2016 I have gane around 50-60 lbs. I want to loose the weight I gained. I was 300 lbs and went down to 125. Now i am again on 180 lbs.
Can I re-do the sleeve or get a lap band or what can I do? Specially because of my high blood pressure.

Jessicagalindez84@gmail
Com

Click here to see more patient comments

Click here to add your own response

Share Your Comments


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

TOOLS
FIND A SURGEON
DO YOU QUALIFY?
CHECK MY INSURANCE
WEIGHT LOSS ESTIMATOR
COST COMPARE
Apply for Loan (Ad)
Tax
Write-Offs
RECOVERY TIMELINES
PROCEDURE SUMMARIES
COMPARE PROCEDURES
Best Procedure Quiz
HEALTH BENEFITS

Find a Bariatric Surgeon

CLOSE TOOL

Find a Bariatric Surgeon

Back to Page

[get_data_from_ci_map_list url="maplist/maplistNewdesign"]
Back to Page Back to Tools

Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

CLOSE TOOL

Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

Back to Page

Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

Patients who qualify for bariatric surgery usually:

  • Are at least 80 lbs (36 kg) overweight
  • Are between 18 and 75 years old
  • Have a history of failed weight loss attempts (e.g., failed diets)
  • Thoroughly understand that the procedure is just a tool; long-term success requires significant diet and lifestyle changes

The minimum bariatric surgery qualifications include:

  • A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
  • OR a BMI between 30 and 39.9 with a serious obesity-related health problem like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint problems, or others
  • OR a BMI of 30 to 40 with or without health issues for the gastric balloon procedure

To calculate your BMI, enter your height and weight into the tool, then click the “Calculate BMI” button.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Check My Insurance Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Check My Insurance Tool

Back to Page

Check My Insurance Tool

Bariatric surgery insurance coverage varies by insurance policy:

Individual/Family Plans & Small Group Plans – Coverage varies by state; coverage is required by the Affordable Care Act in some states

Large Group Plans – Coverage depends on whether your employer has chosen to add it to your policy

Medicare and Medicaid – Bariatric surgery is covered

If your policy covers it and you meet the qualification requirements, your plan will likely include 4 procedures:

  • Gastric sleeve
  • Gastric bypass
  • LAP-BAND®
  • Duodenal switch

Your surgeon may be able to get partial coverage for the other procedures.

Use the tool to find out if your insurance covers bariatric surgery.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Calculator

You will start losing weight fast after any bariatric surgery procedure, but the total amount lost varies based on:

  • The procedure you choose
  • How closely you follow your doctor’s instructions

Enter your information into the tool to get an idea about how much weight you’ll lose after each procedure.

Click here to learn more

Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

Your out-of-pocket bariatric surgery cost can range anywhere from $0 to $20,000 or more depending on several factors, including:

Whether your insurance covers it – many insurances (including Medicare, Medicaid, and many individual/family and employer-provided policies) cover the majority of costs for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, LAP-BAND®, and duodenal switch. The other types of bariatric surgery are less likely to be covered, although you may be able to get insurance to pay for some of the costs. Tap the “With Insurance” button in the tool to see average out-of-pocket costs per procedure after insurance pays. See our Insurance Tool to find out if your plan covers it.

Which procedure you choose – if insurance won’t pay, costs range anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000+, depending on the procedure. Tap the “Without Insurance” button in the tool to compare the national average self-pay costs for each procedure. (NOTE: Some surgeons offer each procedure for as low as half of the national average).

How competitive your surgeon and hospital fees are – there is often a substantial difference in costs between different doctors and hospitals, even within the same town.

Whether you qualify for tax write-offs – Bariatric surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if your out-of-pocket costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income. See our Tax Tool to find out if your bariatric procedure will be tax deductible.

How you choose to pay for your procedure – If insurance covers it, you’ll only be responsible for any copays, deductibles, and coinsurance required by your specific plan. If you pay for the procedure without insurance, total costs will depend on how you pay. For example, your surgeon may offer a discount if you pay the full amount up front, and you can make the costs more affordable by applying for bariatric surgery financing.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL

CLOSE TOOL

LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Calculator

Weight loss surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if the costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.

Use the tool to find out if you qualify for a tax deduction.

To receive the deductions, you’ll need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to save your medical bills and payment statements as proof. Money in one of the following special savings accounts (or even your IRA) may also be a way to pay for part of surgery tax-free:

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Calculator

Weight loss surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if the costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.

Use the tool to find out if you qualify for a tax deduction

To receive the deductions, you’ll need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to save your medical bills and payment statements as proof.

Money in one of the following special savings accounts (or even your IRA) may also be a way to pay for part of surgery tax-free:

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

Bariatric surgery recovery varies by procedure. Here are the ranges:

  • Timeline Range: from 3 days to 6 weeks to full recovery
    • Hospital Stay: from outpatient (return home same-day) to 3 days
    • Back to Work: from 3 days to 3 weeks
  • Pain Range: from mild discomfort to manageable with medication
  • Diet Range: from no restrictions to slow transition from clear liquids to solid foods
  • Activity Range: from no restrictions to slow transition back to regular activity and exercise

Use the tool to learn more about each stage of recovery.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Procedure Summaries

CLOSE TOOL

Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.

Bariatric Procedure Summaries

Back to Page

Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.

Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

There are 6 types of bariatric surgery (also called “weight loss surgery”) available, including:

  • Gastric Sleeve – feel less hungry & full sooner while eating
  • Gastric Bypass – feel full sooner while eating & absorb fewer minerals
  • Duodenal Switch – feel less hungry & full sooner while eating, absorb fewer calories and minerals
  • LAP-BAND® – feel full sooner while eating
  • Gastric Balloon – temporarily feel full sooner while eating (balloon removed after 6 months)
  • AspireAssist – drain a portion of stomach contents after eating

Use the tool to compare each procedure.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

The best weight loss surgery options for you depend on:

  • How much weight you want to lose
  • Your current age, weight, health issues, habits, and lifestyle
  • Your expectations for life after surgery
  • Whether you want a reversible procedure
  • What “trade-offs” you are willing to make

Take the quiz to find out which two procedures are best for you and why.

Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool

Bariatric surgery “cures” or significantly improves many obesity-related health conditions, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Hypertension
  • Joint issues
  • … and many others

Select your health conditions in the tool, then click the Submit button to find out the impact a procedure like gastric sleeve can have.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools
Advertisement

[ Last editorial review/modification of this page : 05/24/2021 ]

* Disclaimers: Content: The information contained in this website is provided for general information purposes and your specific results may vary depending on a variety of circumstances. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional. Advertising: Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC has entered into referral and advertising arrangements with certain medical practices, original equipment manufacturers, and financial companies under which we receive compensation (in the form of flat fees per qualifying action) when you click on links to our partners and/or submit information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Read More

Request a Free Insurance Check

Fill out the below form for a free insurance check performed in partnership with your local bariatric surgeon.

Advertisement

Los Angeles/Orange County

logo
mark