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Lap Band Revision to Gastric Sleeve

Lap Band Revision to Gastric Sleeve

Question Below Submitted By:  

Debbie E. (a patient from NSW Australia)

I was banded 4 years ago which has been successful. I’ve lost 30kgs and diabetes is in remission.

I had a band slippage approx 12 months ago band was put back in place and has worked well until now I have developed a pouch.

I have been back on shakes and soft foods now for 2 weeks but my surgeon doesn’t seem to think it will improve and wants to remove band. I asked about possible sleeving further down the track but my surgeon doesn’t think it is an option due to scar tissue.

Is this the case as I have heard of other people having it done but I would like to know more about how successful or not this is and the risks involved.

I’m feeling very disheartened at present as I have battled weight all my life. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Debbie

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Expert Responses to the Question Above

Surgeon Response to "Lap Band Revision to Gastric Sleeve"

by: Gregg H Jossart, MD, FACS

Debbie,

Band removal by sleeve gastrectomy several months later can be done quite safely and results have been published. The risk is slightly higher due to scar tissue but it can still be done.

Gregg H Jossart, MD, FACS

(click here for Dr. Jossart's full bio & contact info)

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.

Related Pages:
- Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery - All You Need to Know
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery - All You Need to Know

Second Surgeon Response to "Lap Band Revision to Gastric Sleeve"

by: Dr. Vafa Shayani

Thank you for writing to us with your question. You have provided us with a complex situation that does not have one best solution. Here are some thoughts:

1. Different surgeons perform band repositionings differently. If you are still interested in keeping your band, consider consulting with another "band expert" who might be able to offer you other options with regards to your gastric band. Regardless of prior procedures, slipped bands can be salvaged again and again if that is the desire of a patient.

2. Conversion from the band to sleeve is an entirely appropriate procedure. As you can imagine, conversion to gastric bypass or duodenal switch might be even more successful; however, those are more involved procedures with potential for more complications. And even though performing the sleeve on the same day of band removal is a viable option, it might carry a higher risk; it might be best to remove the band first, allow the stomach to heal, and then come back and perform the revisional procedure with much lower risk for complications.

3. If you have never considered it, also consider looking into Aspire Assist as another option. Aspire Assist is an entirely endoscopic procedure and many patients have had it after having had their bands removed.

Dr. Vafa Shayani
Bariatric Institute of Greater Chicago

(click here for Dr. Shayani's full bio & contact info)

P.S. If you've found my recommendations or this website helpful, please share on your favorite social media platform or tell a friend about us. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.

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