Revision Bariatric Surgery
Lap-Band Revisions, Removals & Conversions
If you are considering bariatric revision surgery in Victoria, Corpus Christi, TX or surrounding areas, Dr. Chang and the team at Advanced Bariatric and Surgical Specialists provide personalized care for patients seeking solutions after a previous weight-loss procedure. Dr. Chang performs Lap-Band revisions, removals, deflations, and conversions, as well as sleeve-to-gastric bypass revisions.
Each patient receives an individualized evaluation based on their health, surgical history, and weight-management goals, with a focus on providing thoughtful guidance and the right surgical approach for their needs.
Gastric Band Revisions
Because the gastric band does not permanently alter the digestive system, there are cases where it does not offer the patient the weight loss results they expect. Further, since the device is implanted in the abdomen, there is a greater chance of long-term complications versus the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. The band can slip from its original position or erode into the esophageal lining amongst other possible complications. Most of these complications require a follow-up surgery to correct the issue.
Dr. Chang offers a number of revisional bariatric surgeries for banding patients that have not achieved their excess body weight loss potential. First, the band can be removed and a gastric sleeve can be performed. This is called a band to sleeve conversion and can jumpstart the patient’s weight loss, offering even greater results and disease resolution potential than the original band surgery.
Second, the band can also be revised to a gastric bypass in much the same way as above. If patients have not experienced an improvement in diabetes or acid reflux (or if they have seen either condition worsen), replacing the band with a gastric bypass can be an excellent and effective option.
Since the band does not require the alteration of any part of the digestive system, revising it is very straightforward. The band is removed and if a conversion is desired the secondary surgery is typically performed during the same surgery.
Considerations of a Band Conversion
While converting a gastric band is relatively safe in the hands of an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Chang, all of the inherent risks of bariatric surgery, as well as a few additional risks specific to a revisional bariatric procedure, must be taken into account. While a gastric band conversion is often a very positive step forward in the battle against obesity, the risks and considerations of this procedure should and will be discussed at a consultation.
To learn more about conversion from a gastric band to either a bypass or sleeve, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang in either Victoria, Texas or at our Corpus Christi, Texas location.
What Is a Lap-Band Deflation?
A Lap-Band deflation is a procedure in which some or all of the saline is removed from the adjustable gastric band to reduce the level of restriction around the stomach. Deflation may be recommended when a patient is experiencing excessive restriction, difficulty swallowing, reflux, discomfort, or other concerns related to the band's adjustment.
Dr. Chang provides Lap-Band deflation services as part of comprehensive bariatric revision care. During your visit, the team can evaluate your symptoms, discuss your concerns, and determine whether adjusting the band's restriction is appropriate for your individual needs. This allows patients to receive professional guidance and ongoing support as their bariatric care evolves.
