Procedures
Gastric Lap-Band
Lap-Band is a brand name for an adjustable gastric band. The practice is happy to evaluate any patient who has a gastric band or is considering one. Evaluation comes first, just as it does for every other condition we treat.
Patients with gastric bands are seen here
Gastric bands can cause problems over time. Reflux, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, pain, food intolerance, slipping, erosion, or the gastric band simply no longer working are all reasons to be seen. Do not ignore these symptoms. It is important to have them evaluated.
Evaluation
The first step is evaluation. That may include endoscopy, pH studies, motility studies, or imaging, as appropriate. From there, we determine together what is most appropriate for you. Some patients keep their gastric band. Some need it adjusted. Some need it removed, either electively or, when required, urgently.
Removal and conversion
When a gastric band needs to come out, removal is done through small incisions, usually with robotic technology. Removal alone, or removal with conversion to a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, is a form of revisional surgery. That decision is made after evaluation and a full conversation, never before.
Common questions
- Will you place a Lap-Band for me?
- The practice is happy to evaluate any patient who has a gastric band or is considering one. Evaluation comes first, and the options are discussed with you after that evaluation.
- Can you remove my gastric band?
- The decision depends on your symptoms, testing, and current anatomy.
- Can a gastric band be converted to a sleeve or a bypass?
- Often yes. Whether that happens at the same operation or as a second one depends on what the tissue looks like where the gastric band sat.
- What should I bring to the visit?
- Bring any studies or lab testing you have had done since the gastric band was placed. If you have the operative report, bring it, but most patients do not, and that is fine.
Related procedures and conditions
Next step
Bring any studies or lab testing you have had done since the gastric band was placed. If you have the operative report, bring it, but most patients do not, and that is fine.
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