While the lap band (adjustable gastric banding) is far less common today, many people battling obesity are still successfully using it as a tool for considerable weight loss and weight management.
As with any surgical procedure, there can be a risk of complications. Band slippage is one of the most common issues, which can occur when the band slips up or down from its original position around the stomach, resulting in symptoms that can cause unpleasant physical discomfort and reduce or offset weight loss. Lap band slippage is most commonly a result of eating too quickly, resulting in stomach bloat, vomiting, overeating and consuming too many carbonated beverages.
Gastric Band Slippage Signs
Food Consumption Changes
You may notice a decrease in appetite, being able to consume more than usual, or feel nauseous during and after eating and you may also present with pain.
Nausea or Vomiting
When the band on your stomach slips, it can be difficult for food to pass through, making you feel like food is trapped in your stomach and esophagus (food pipe). This sensation can cause your body to want to expel the trapped food, leading to vomiting.
Acid Reflux
Feeling heartburn-like symptoms is a sign that your stomach acids are coming back up your throat from the esophagus. This can lead to chest pain, bloating, burping, prolonged hiccups and other GI discomfort.
Abdominal Pain
Some lap band patients just sense that “something isn’t right” in their stomachs. They can complete regular daily tasks, but don’t feel close to normal.
What to Do if You Experience Lap Band Slippage
If your lap band moves out of place, your lap band surgeon will need to make an adjustment as quickly as possible to relieve symptoms, so you can resume weight loss. If it’s only a mild slip, your surgeon may be able to deflate the band so that it can re-adjust. Keep in mind, however, moderate and severe band slips will typically require a laparoscopic surgical procedure to reposition the band or remove it if further complications are present.
If you notice any signs or symptoms of what you think could be a lap band slip, contact your surgeon immediately for a prompt appointment to be evaluated.
>>> Alaina Changes from the Lap Band to the Gastric Sleeve and Loses 90 Pounds
Replace Your Lap Band with a Newer Bariatric Procedure
Changing from one bariatric procedure to another is called revision bariatric surgery. For many people, the ongoing need for office visits and band adjustments no longer fits their lifestyle. They would prefer to have a single weight loss operation that requires less frequent doctor visits.
For other patients, they simply did not achieve their weight loss goal using the band. Since the lap band’s initial popularity some years ago, the sleeve gastrectomy (the gastric sleeve) has become the most popular bariatric weight loss surgery operation. For others, gastric bypass bariatric surgery is the right solution.
Move Forward with a New Weight Loss Plan
We encourage patients who are frustrated by medical complications or lack of weight loss success with the lap band to consider an alternative procedure with better statistical outcomes for obese people. Reach out to us at Prime Surgicare to discuss your weight loss goals and any additional health issues. Together, we will refresh and update your weight loss strategy and support your reinvigorated plan of attack. Dr. Bennet Togbe has helped many New Jersey bariatric surgery patients using gastric band surgery, managing adjustments and addressing any potential complications along the way.
Find out more about lap band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and revisional weight loss surgery by contacting us at (732) 982-2002.
About Us
Dr. Seun Sowemimo and Dr. Bennet Togbe are board-certified and fellowship-trained, general, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons in NJ. They specialize in minimally invasive weight loss surgery and general surgery procedures including diverticulitis, gallbladder and hernia conditions. They are the top NJ surgeons at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties.
To learn more, visit our YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.