WHAT IS LAP BAND REMOVAL?

Our surgeons are often asked about ‘Lap Bands’ or gastric bands, however very few surgeons in Australia perform gastric (lap) bands anymore.

While Lap Bands were commonly placed in the past, it is no longer recommended due to intolerance and high revision rates.

The short-term results for Lap banding patients seem positive, but over time people may experience weight gain or other complications. Complications also include band deterioration/intolerance, slippage or even erosion, all of which require follow-up surgery.

In other cases, people choose to have their bands removed because of the poor quality of life, lack of weight-loss results and potentially serious side effects.

While all surgeries come with their own risks and benefits, studies have consistently shown that other procedures are more effective than gastric banding.

There are now very safe and more effective weight-loss procedures available which Morphē specialises in. These include the sleeve gastrectomy, one anastomosis gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

The number of Lap Bands being removed, though, is significant.

Following a consultation with our surgeons, we will schedule an endoscopy prior to removal of your lap band, to ensure that it is not eroded through your stomach (0.5% risk).

Lap band removal is performed laparoscopically, or via ‘keyhole’ surgery. Some patients prefer to have this done as day surgery, where others have their band removal as an overnight stay.

In the event that your lap band has eroded through your stomach, further treatment will be discussed, including removal via an endoscopic method.