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Lapband Removal Procedures

The LAP-BAND is a silicone gastric band that is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach. The resulting restriction helps you control food intake and feel fuller longer, which in turn leads to long-term, successful weight loss. But for some bariatric patients, the LAP-BAND doesn't work out, and ultimately needs to be removed. While not easy, the removal of the LAP-BAND is certainly possible.

  1. LAP-BAND Removal

    • A LAP-BAND is not designed to be removed, but with laparoscopic or open surgery, your surgeon will be able to remove it from your stomach and detach the connected port that was stitched into the abdominal wall during the original procedure.

      Speak with your surgeon if you are not satisfied with your LAP-BAND or if you are having problems with it. In many instances, dietary intake problems such as nausea, vomiting, pressure, pain and stuck food issues can be resolved by decreasing the amount of saline that is in the band.

      If you have given your body enough time to adjust to the band and your new eating habits and you are still not happy, schedule a consultation with your surgeon. Together, the two of you will go over the reasons why your band is not working out for you. If both of you are satisfied with the consult, surgery may be tentatively scheduled while your health insurance company is contacted for pre-authorization.

      Your health insurance company must approve the pre-authorization request for the removal of your LAP-BAND. If your insurance company denies the request, or you do not have health insurance, you will be responsible for all costs associated with removal of the band, including surgery costs and the hospital stay.

    Precautions

    • As with any surgery, a LAP-BAND removal procedure puts you at risk for surgical complications, including pain, bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia and post-operative pain medications. Additionally, removal of the LAP-BAND often requires cutting through scar tissue, which puts both the stomach and liver at risk for injury or trauma during the surgery. After the band is removed, you may experience some weight re-gain.

      Speak to your surgeon and health care team about your medical history, and any past post-surgery complications you have experienced.

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