Gastric Band Removal

Gastric Band Removal Surgery in Ohio

If you have previously had an adjustable gastric band placed and have developed issues related to this, we are here to help. Our team of skilled, compassionate weight loss experts at Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss can discuss band removal and help you determine if another bariatric surgery or method for weight loss is right for you.

If you have already lost weight and are concerned about regaining, our team is here to support you as you work to maintain your weight. Call now to schedule a consultation for weight management after gastric band removal surgery in Ohio.

What Is a Gastric Band?

A gastric band is also called a lap band or adjustable gastric band. A gastric band is surgically placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. By restricting the size of the upper stomach, you may feel full faster and find it easier to commit to portion control and a healthy diet. However, gastric band surgery does not result in all of the gut hormone changes that come with sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery. Therefore, many people do not have the same weight loss results or effects on appetite that patients who have these bariatric options do.

Why Do People Choose Gastric Band Over Other Weight Loss Surgeries?

Gastric band surgery is safe and considered customizable compared to other bariatric surgery options. It is minimally invasive and performed via a laparoscopic approach. Your surgeon will not use surgical staples to divide or remove any intestine; instead, they will use an adjustable band to separate your stomach into two sections.

When the gastric band is initially placed around the top portion of the stomach, it is connected to a port under the skin by a tube. The port can be accessed after surgery to inject or extract fluid into the gastric band. As the gastric band is filled or emptied with varying amounts of fluid, this effects how much restriction the person feels when eating.

Potential Risks of Gastric Band Surgery

While there are potential risks associated with any surgery, gastric band surgery involves implanting a foreign body which other bariatric surgeries do not. The most common risks are:

Nausea and vomiting

Gastric band failure

Constipation

Trouble swallowing

Gastroesophageal reflux

Port obstruction or infection

Band slippage (band becomes malpositioned and can cause obstruction)

Erosion (band erodes through the wall of the stomach or esophagus)

Intolerance of the band

What to Expect Before a Gastric Band Removal Procedure

Before we schedule gastric band removal surgery, we will have you come in for an in-depth consultation. We will ask for your medical records and information about past procedures. We will have you get laboratory testing done and upper endoscopy. You may also need an abdominal x-ray to evaluate the position of the band. We will answer any questions you have and make sure you are fully informed of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

How the Gastric Band Removal Procedure Is Performed

During removal surgery, your surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen. They will use a small pump to inflate your abdominal cavity and will use long, narrow laparoscopic tools that can be inserted into your incisions. They will remove the gastric band around the top part of your stomach as well as the port and the tubing that connects these two components.

Preparing for a Successful Gastric Band Removal Recovery

We will work closely with you to help you prepare for a successful gastric band procedure and recovery process as well as to help you avoid gaining weight. Most people experience some weight gain after band removal. We can discuss ways to avoid this including dietary strategies, medication options or another bariatric surgery options. Bariatric surgeries such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass offer significant, long-term weight loss within the first year post-surgery.

Schedule a Consultation for Gastric Band Removal Surgery Today

At Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss, we can help you explore all of your options for medical weight loss surgery. We will schedule an initial consultation to answer your questions, give you information, and determine if you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery. We offer a comprehensive approach to surgery, professional diet and nutrition counseling, and medical weight loss options. Call now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for gastric band removal in Ohio.

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