Living With an Old Lap Band: What Are the Options?
New lap band surgery is no longer available in Australia, including at LapSurgery Australia, because long term experience has shown that many patients do not maintain satisfactory weight loss and a significant number eventually need the band adjusted, revised or removed. If you have an existing band, the options include continuing your care, having the band removed, or having it removed with conversion to a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.
Long Term Band Problems Are Common and Worth Taking Seriously
The lap band, also known as an adjustable gastric band or stomach band, works by placing a soft silicone ring around the upper stomach to restrict how much you can eat. Over the long term, problems that can develop include slippage, erosion of the band into the stomach wall, reflux (where stomach acid travels back up), vomiting, night regurgitation, difficulty swallowing and food intolerance. If you are experiencing any of these, our team recommends not delaying advice, as some band complications can become urgent.
Your Options If the Band Is No Longer Working for You
Our team cares for many patients with existing bands, including bands placed by other surgeons, interstate or overseas. The first step is a consultation with one of our surgeons and an assessment by our dietitian, sometimes with an X ray or gastroscopy (a camera examination of the stomach), to see whether the band can be made to work. If it cannot, options include:
- Newer weight loss medicines that help reduce appetite and body weight
- Band removal on its own, though it is important to know that removal alone commonly leads to weight regain over the following one to two years
- Removal with conversion to a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass
What Revisional Surgery Costs and What to Expect
Converting a band to a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass is a form of revisional surgery, estimated from $8,000 out of pocket with adequate private health insurance. Costs may vary for existing LapSurgery Australia patients and depend on the type of previous procedure. The cost of adjusting or removing a band without conversion depends on your band, your health fund and your hospital, so we confirm that after your consultation. A full written quote follows every consultation. Private health insurance that covers weight loss surgery is required for revisional procedures. You will also need a current GP referral to book.
More detail is on our lap band page. If you are considering your options, call us on (03) 9760 2777 or request an appointment through our website.