Understanding and Recovering from Lap Band Removal Surgery

Understanding Lap Band Removal

Lap bands can be an effective weight loss solution for some people. However, as with any major surgery, there are risks involved. For some patients, lap band complications or intolerable side effects necessitate band removal.

What is Lap Band Removal Surgery?

Lap band removal surgery removes the silicone band that was placed around the upper part of the stomach during the initial bariatric procedure. This reversal surgery is also called lap band explantation.

This operation cuts or unwraps the band from the stomach tissue that it was originally secured to. Surgeons will also check for scar tissue or damage to the stomach from the band itself.

Why Would Someone Need Their Lap Band Removed?

There are several reasons why patients choose lap band removal:

Band slipping or erosion into the stomach wall
Port or tubing leaks/breaks
Nausea, heartburn, and vomiting
Inadequate weight loss from the band
Pain or discomfort from the band
Infection around the port or band
Band intolerance

What Are Some Lap Band Horror Stories?

Some patients share their personal accounts of shocking complications and side effects occurring after lap band surgery:

Excruciating pain and vomiting: Some people experience consistent nausea, heartburn, and vomiting after getting a lap band installed. This makes eating and drinking extremely difficult.
Erosion through the stomach wall: Bands that are too tight or improperly placed can erode through the lining of the stomach. This can cause severe infections and internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery.
Port and tubing leaks: Port and tubing pieces that connect the lap band can occasionally leak or break, spilling stomach contents into surrounding tissue and the abdominal cavity.
No weight loss: Up to 20% of patients lose very little weight with the lap band, even with major dietary changes. This leads to frustration and additional operations like band tightening or removal.

What to Expect During Lap Band Removal Surgery

Knowing the general procedure can help ease some anxiety leading up to your operation:

Preparing for Lap Band Removal Surgery

As with the initial band surgery, patients will need to take certain steps to prepare for the operation:

Stop eating and drinking at midnight the night before surgery.
Arrange for a ride home as you will be sleepy after surgery.
Make sure you understand all preoperative instructions from your bariatric clinic.
Discuss pain relief options with your surgeon ahead of time.

The Lap Band Removal Procedure

The removal procedure takes 30-60 minutes and is completed laparoscopically while you are under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will:

Make 3-5 small incisions in your abdomen.
Insert a camera so they can visualize your stomach and lap band.
Carefully cut the band away from the upper stomach using surgical tools.
Remove pieces of the port, tubing, and band from your body.
Inspect for erosion or damage then irrigate the area.
Close incisions with stitches or surgical glue.

Recovering From Lap Band Removal

Recovery is much faster with laparoscopic techniques but patients still need to take it easy after surgery:

1-2 day hospital stay for monitoring.
Liquid diet advancing slowly to soft foods over 2 weeks.
Walk every 2 hours to prevent blood clots.
Pain medication to manage discomfort.
No heavy lifting, exercise, or straining for 2-4 weeks.
Schedule follow up visit to check on healing.

Life After Lap Band Removal - What's Next?

While no longer having a band may seem discouraging for weight loss, there are options moving forward:

Non-Surgical Weight Loss Alternatives

Some patients decide against additional bariatric surgeries after band removal and instead opt for:

Joining a medically-supervised weight loss program for dietary changes, physical activity goals, counseling, and more.
Prescription medications like Phentermine or Qsymia for appetite suppression.
Trying commercial diet and exercise programs.
Working one-on-one with nutritionists or personal trainers.

Other Bariatric Surgeries

Patients who still want dramatic, rapid weight loss through surgery can discuss options like:

Gastric Sleeve: Removes 75% of the stomach so less food is consumed at one time.
Gastric Bypass: Staples the stomach into separate small and large pouches so less food goes in and is absorbed.
Duodenal Switch: Reduces stomach size and reroutes nutrient absorption in the small intestine.

Each surgery has its own risks and benefits to thoroughly discuss with your bariatric team.

Body Contouring

For those struggling with loose excess skin after massive weight loss, body contouring procedures can help remove and tighten up these areas through:

Tummy tucks
Body lifts
Thigh/arm lifts
Facelifts
Liposuction

Consulting a board certified plastic surgeon allows for customized surgical planning after weight loss.

FAQs

What are the risks of lap band removal surgery?

Risks are low but include bleeding, infection, blood clots, leaks from stomach incision sites, pneumonia, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

How long does it take to recover after band removal?

Initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks but full healing inside can take 6+ weeks. Patients will need to stick to a liquid or soft food diet at first, slowly adding in regular foods over time.

Will my stomach stretch back out if I get my lap band removed?

Most patients do not report significant stomach stretching or weight regain after explantation. However, it is important to continue eating smaller, measured meals with healthier options to prevent expansion.

What happens if I don't get my problematic lap band removed?

Leaving a malfunctioning or eroded gastric band in place raises your risks for serious infections and internal injury or bleeding requiring emergency surgery to save your life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.