Winning the fight against obesity can seem difficult for many who struggle to lose weight. Even with aggressive dieting, many find the weight simply won’t come off. At Tijuana Bariatrics, we understand the frustration many patients face when trying to achieve a healthier weight. Our surgeons offer a wide range of treatments, including LAP-BAND® surgery, to address each patient’s weight loss needs.
LAP-BAND® surgery involves the use of an adjustable gastric banding device that restricts the size of the stomach, making it possible for patients to feel fuller for longer periods of time. Although many patients have found success with LAP-BAND® surgery, some may develop band slippage, a complication that can make LAP-BAND® surgery ineffective.
Our surgeons offer LAP-BAND® surgery revision for band slippage at their Tijuana, Mexico bariatric surgery practice. If you have noticed weight gain after LAP-BAND® surgery, you may have band slippage. To find out if LAP-BAND® surgery revision is right for you, please schedule a consultation with our bariatric surgeons today.
Why Treat LAP-BAND® Slippage?
A LAP-BAND® slippage is a potential side effect of LAP-BAND® surgery and may occur months or years after treatment. When band slippage occurs, the LAP-BAND® moves up or down from its proper position around the stomach.
Band slippage can make it difficult for food to pass through the stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting. Alternatively, band slippage can allow more food through the stomach, interfering with weight loss results.
In addition to nausea, vomiting, and weight gain, band slippage can cause many other symptoms, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, and changes in appetite. It should be treated as soon as possible. Without treatment, symptoms will continue, weight gain may occur, and patients who experience nausea and vomiting may become malnourished and gravely ill.
Treating Band Slippage with LAP-BAND® Surgery Revision
For some patients, LAP-BAND® slippage happens slowly with symptoms gradually occurring. Others may develop acute slippage and require emergency attention. In either case, LAP-BAND® surgery revision is often necessary to treat slippage.
There are different options for addressing LAP-BAND® slippage. The LAP-BAND® may be repositioned, removed, or replaced. If the LAP-BAND® has only slightly slipped, the band may be deflated for several weeks, during which time it may reposition on its own without the need for surgery. If this does not work, or the slippage is more moderate to severe, surgery will be needed to either remove or replace the LAP-BAND®.
When removed, an alternative bariatric surgery procedure may be performed to help patients continue to lose weight or keep off the weight lost with LAP-BAND® surgery. Without replacing a slipped LAP-BAND® or converting the LAP-BAND® to another form of bariatric surgery, such as gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery, patients may be prone to weight gain.
Learn More about LAP-BAND® Surgery Revision
If you have experienced any of the symptoms of LAP-BAND® slippage, it’s important to see a bariatric surgeon immediately to avoid serious complications and ensure your weight loss results continue. We can examine your LAP-BAND® and provide you with treatment options to help you experience weight loss success. To learn more about LAP-BAND® surgery revision, or to find out more about your bariatric surgery treatment options, please schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.
