How Lap-Band Surgery Works
Minimally Invasive Surgery
A surgeon uses small incisions and a laparoscope to position an inflatable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band decreases the size of the stomach so you feel fuller faster. A tube from the band is attached to a port under your skin.
Gastric Band Adjustments
Your surgeon inserts a needle into the port to inject a saline solution that inflates and tightens the band. This makes your stomach smaller. Your surgeon may also use the port to remove fluid if the band needs to be deflated or loosened. These gastric band adjustments take place during regular visits with your doctor.
Expected Weight Loss
According to long-term studies, expected excess weight loss is estimated to be between 35 and 50%, however, there is a greater percentage of people losing 50% of their excess body weight with other weight loss surgeries.
Lap-Band Surgery Complications
Pouch Enlargement
An over-inflated band or overeating may cause your stomach pouch to become enlarged. This can cause chest pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and other discomforts. Your doctor can treat pouch enlargement by adjusting the band during an office visit.
Lap-Band Slippage
The band can slip out of place. Lap-band slippage can also occur over time. Lap-band slips can cause GI bleeding, stomach perforation, pneumonia, and other serious complications. A slipped band almost always requires corrective surgery or removal of the band.
Lap-Band Erosion
While it’s less common, the lap-band can also erode into the stomach. When this occurs, the eroded band must be surgically removed.
Port Can Break, Leak, Cause Infection
Port infections can occur immediately following surgery or over time. They may be managed with antibiotics or removal and replacement of the port and band. Over time, the port can break, leak, or become difficult to access. This often requires corrective surgery.
Other Complications
As with other weight loss surgeries, the following complication may occur with lap-band surgery:
- Hiatal hernia
- Gallstones
- GERD
- Bowel function changes and perforations
- Frequent vomiting
- Blood clots, infection, and other risks that are common with any surgery
Weight Loss Options Following Lap-Band Surgery
If you have not experienced the weight loss results you expected following lap-band surgery, we can help you understand your options to help you achieve success.
Diet and Lifestyle Evaluation
Our dietitians and behavioral health specialists will evaluate your current diet and lifestyle habits to see where changes can be made.
Medical treatment may be an option to help you achieve your goal. We will discuss which options are appropriate for you. Another option may be for you to work with the providers at the Duke Health and Lifestyle Center. They can design a program to help you achieve success or ready you for revision weight loss surgery.
We’ll evaluate your current anatomy and condition to determine if you might benefit from revision weight loss surgery. The types of weight loss surgery are typically offered to people who want a revision following lap-band surgery include:
These procedures can be more complicated in people with a lap band, because the band and any scar tissue that has formed must be removed before proceeding with the gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or duodenal switch. Our surgeons are skilled at performing these procedures to reverse complications associated with lap band surgery.
