Lap-Band Removal
How the Lap-Band Procedure Works
The Lap-Band system first obtained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001. The FDA approved the expanded use of Lap-Band in 2011 to address the needs of more patients affected by obesity.
During the gastric banding procedure, an adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. By inflating the band with saline, a bariatric surgeon can adjust the upper stomach pouch as needed.
Creating an upper stomach pouch means that the patient's stomach size is reduced. With a smaller stomach, patients feel fuller faster during meals. They will also consume less food during each meal.
Limiting the amount of calories consumed every meal and each day results in gradual and sustained weight loss. This is known as restrictive weight loss as it restricts the amount of calories the patient eats.
Lap-Band Complications Why Gastric Banding Patients Seek Revision
Despite the initial high demand for Lap-Band surgery, fewer and fewer adjustable gastric band procedures are performed each year. Common reasons for the decline in popularity include:
Frequent Gastric Band Slippage
It's possible for the gastric band to slip out of position, which changes stomach size and capacity. Treating gastric band slippage requires professional in-office adjustments by a bariatric surgeon.Gastric Band Erosion
Gastric band erosion refers to a rare complication in which the silicone band erodes the outer tissue around part of the stomach. Immediate medical attention is required to avoid access port infection, continued discomfort, and other adverse side effects.Gastric Band Intolerance
Sometimes a patient's body does not tolerate the implanted band, resulting in the buildup of scar tissue. Gastric band intolerance may lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux.Esophageal Dilation
Some patients experienced damage to their esophagus as a result of gastric banding. In these cases, the Lap-Band restricts esophagus size, causing difficulty swallowing and heartburn-like symptoms.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Plateaus
While Lap-Band can be effective for some patients, it may not achieve a patient's final weight loss goal. Reaching a target weight may be easier to achieve through gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery.
Need Lap-Band Revision? Talk to Dr. St. Laurent About Your Options
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) offered a simple solution for people who struggled with weight loss. Unfortunately, many patients have regretted their decision and decided to make a change to better their health and quality of life.
Dr. Matthew St. Laurent is a board-certified surgeon who can convert an ineffective Lap-Band into a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. Dr. St. Laurent helps Texans take great strides forward in their journey towards better health. He is consistently named one of America's Top Surgeons by the Consumers Research Council of America.
Dr. St. Laurent can evaluate your candidacy for Lap-Band removal during a visit to our Houston, TX, bariatric surgery office.
To learn more about revising your gastric band and your options for secondary bariatric surgery, contact Northwest Endosurgical. You can also reach our weight loss surgery center by phone.
Call Our Office Serving Houston
(281) 921-1890
"I left the office confident, informed, and empowered." Reviews for Our Bariatric Center Serving Houston, TX
Bill Robinson
Houston, TX
2023
Very friendly environment. Dr. spends time with you discussing your situation. All of the staff are very patient focused. They really exemplify listening to the patient, and taking time to explain.
View on GoogleShari Moore
Houston, TX
2022
My first appointment was very insightful. The office staff are VERY professional and inviting. They are informative and patience. The doctor actively listened to me. He explained every thing I needed to know with clarity. I left the office confident, informed and empowered to make the right choice for my health.
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We Are Highly Trained in
Bariatric Revision Procedures
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Revisional bariatric surgeries comprise nearly 40% of all procedures performed at Northwest Endosurgical. Dr. St. Laurent is familiar with corrective bariatrics and can answer any questions you may have about the revision surgery procedure.
Revision Surgery Pricing How Much Does Lap-Band Removal Cost?
Factors Affecting Revision Cost
The cost of Lap-Band revision is affected by several factors, including the type of bariatric procedure the band will be converted into and the length of your hospital stay to recover following surgery.
The cost of revision surgery will also be influenced by your existing insurance plan coverage. After reviewing the percentage of cost covered by your insurance, our Houston, TX-area practice can also discuss financing options that can make gastric banding more affordable.
An Investment in Your Health
Since Lap-Band removal can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and hitting your target weight, many gastric band patients feel it is a worthwhile investment.
The bariatric revision procedure can help patients save money on band adjustments and other medical treatments for band-related conditions. Revision may improve your overall quality of life.
Consult an Expert Contact Our Bariatric Center for Lap-Band Removal
Many bariatric surgeons in the Houston area can revise or remove a failing gastric band. Dr. St. Laurent sets himself apart from the competition with his experience and exemplary surgical skills. He's helped many patients in Texas achieve their wellness goals.
For more information about Lap-Band revision and your other bariatric surgery options, contact our bariatric surgery center serving Houston, TX.
Give Us a Call Today
(281) 921-1890
A Surgeon Who Truly Listens More Reviews from Texas Obesity Surgery Patients
"The most beautiful and professional people I have ever met. The team is courteous and organized. Your health concerns are thoroughly addressed. The procedure to improve your health is thoroughly explained, and they don't waste your time." Norma Rouchon
Candidacy for Lap-Band Removal
You Haven't Reached Your Weight Loss Goals
Many patients come to our practice for revision surgery because they have only been able to lose some of the excess body weight they'd hoped to lose from gastric band surgery.
You've Regained Most or All of the Weight You Lost
In addition to limited weight loss over time, many patients seek a Lap-Band revision because they've put weight back on after an initial period of weight loss success with gastric banding.
You've Experienced Multiple Band Slippages
The cost and inconvenience of constant gastric band follow-up adjustments become a major hassle for many Lap-Band patients. Removal surgery means less need for additional professional care.
Your Health Has Suffered Due to Band Complications
Lap-Band surgery intolerance, acid reflux/heartburn, and other health complications can be potentially remedied by converting a gastric band into a different bariatric surgery procedure.
The Surgical Procedure
Here is a simplified step-by-step look at the Lap-Band removal process:
Revising an initial Lap-Band surgery can be a safe and effective way for patients to continue their weight loss journey.
Lap-Band Alternatives Common Revision Surgery Options
When revising a failed Lap-Band, the team at our Houston weight loss surgery center will typically convert the procedure into a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Also referred to as a sleeve gastrectomy, a gastric sleeve is currently the most popular bariatric procedure available today. This is due to its overall simplicity, safety, and overall effectiveness for long-term results.
This restrictive weight loss surgery involves a permanent reduction in the size of the stomach. Reducing stomach size limits the amount of calories a person can consume during meals.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Also referred to as a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, this weight loss surgery remains popular for patients struggling with morbid obesity or severe obesity.
During a gastric bypass, a small additional stomach pouch is created and part of the small intestine is rerouted. This provides restrictive weight loss as well as malabsorptive weight loss, the latter of which involves a restriction of calories absorbed during digestion.
Start the Process Today Contact Us About Lap-Band Removal
Thanks to Lap-Band removal and revision, Dr. St. Laurent has helped patients all over Texas experience long-term weight loss and lasting health. If you've experienced adverse side effects or complications from gastric banding, our weight loss surgeon can help. Contact Northwest Endosurgical in Houston for more information.
(281) 921-1890
Our Team Shares Your Goals Non-Judgemental Bariatric Treatment in the Houston, TX, Area
Joby Joseph
Houston, TX
2023
The team at Northwest Endosurgical is amazing. A summarization of their practice could be, "We Care, and We'll Help You Get There". They are very good at what they do. Dr. St. Laurent made me very confident and comfortable during and after the procedure. The dieticians are excellent. They are very patient and supportive. The team stands out by providing accountability and care, without shaming. The entire staff works in sync with you and the rest of the team. What else is there to write; they may have helped save my life.
View on GoogleScott Milliren
Houston, TX
2022
I found Dr. St. Laurent and his team to be thorough, knowledgeable and professional regarding the entire weight loss, surgical journey. The care after surgery is comprehensive and lasts for a year. There are 2 dietitians on staff the offer unique, fact-based advice. I found that to be the differentiating factor in my decision to trust my medical care with NW Endo. I highly recommend, and have already referred my wife and close friend.
View on GoogleLap-Band Removal Results What to Expect After Removal and Revision Surgery
Elimination of Complications
Following Lap-Band removal surgery, patients should notice improved health and wellness. Any complications associated with an ineffective gastric band will no longer be present.
Once the gastric band is taken out, patients should be able to eat and drink foods normally and not experience any discomfort or irritation around the abdominal area.
Continuation of Weight Loss
The most important benefit of revision Lap-Band surgery is the continued loss of excess weight. Patients can truly experience the benefits of bariatric surgery and improve their overall health, physical appearance, and self-esteem by shedding excess body mass.
With additional weight loss, patients should also notice improvements in obesity-related medical conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
Long-Term Success
After Revision Surgery
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Northwest Endosurgical offers a number of post-operative services to promote non-surgical weight loss. These follow-up visits focus on physical activity, nutrition, and other weight-related lifestyle topics.
FAQ Common Questions About Lap-Band Revision
Does insurance cover Lap-Band revision?
Removing an adjustable gastric band may be covered by your health insurance if it's deemed medically necessary. Revision of a Lap-Band surgery into a sleeve gastrectomy or a gastric bypass may also be covered.
Ultimately, this depends on your insurance provider and any health complications associated with the initial gastric band.
Which secondary bariatric surgery should I get?
Both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are effective surgical weight loss procedures. When it comes to picking the best surgery, it really depends on the needs of the patient.
During your visit to our office serving Houston, TX, Dr. St. Laurent can review all of your options and determine which one may be best suited to your health and weight loss needs.
Will my revision surgery take place at the same time as band removal?
Dr. St. Laurent may combine the band removal and revision surgical procedures depending on the nature of the surgery. While weight loss surgeries are performed laparoscopically, combining a band removal with a revision gastric procedure might take a lot of time, which may increase the risks involved.
We try to keep all surgical work as minimally invasive as possible. As part of the consultation and planning process, we can review whether one surgery or multiple surgeries is safer.
How much weight will I lose from gastric band revision?
Overall weight loss from Lap-Band revision really depends on the secondary bariatric procedure performed. Patients also need to consider how much weight they lost from the initial gastric band and their current BMI.
We can discuss revision surgery weight loss and weight maintenance as part of the consultation process, with a focus on making sure you develop realistic expectations.
Comprehensive & Caring Our Houston Team Provides Answers to All of Your Questions
"Dr. St. Laurent seemed genuinely interested in my health and spent a significant amount of time explaining my diagnosis thoroughly. He also provided several remediating options with varying associated costs and benefits (pros/cons). His recommended solutions were focused on mitigating my condition rather than just treating my symptoms, unlike most GI doctors tend to do." Johaymar Andujar Moczulski
