Lap-Band Removal in Dallas, TX

Lap-Band Removal or revision is sometimes required for patients who are experiencing adverse reactions or have not experienced significant results with their procedure.  Since its introduction in the 1990s, the Lap-Band has been the subject of countless studies for safety and efficacy. It has been scientifically established as a reliable and successful option, widely recognized among all weight loss procedures. Conclusively, the FDA has deemed the Lap-Band to be safe when used on patients over the long-term.

Even so, every surgery has risks. Sometimes the Lap-Band needs to be refitted, replaced with a new band, or taken out completely. How this is task accomplished will vary, depends upon the individual patient and condition of the band, what the problem with the band might be, and which type of surgery was originally performed.

When removing your Lap-Band, the process will most likely be conducted in the same fashion as the original Lap-Band procedure. If the original procedure was laparoscopic, the removal can utilize the same incisions and should take less than 30 minutes, also performed laparoscopically. On the other hand, if open surgery was the method of insertion, there is a high potential that the removal will be an open surgery as well.

The removal process begins with the surgeon cutting away the capsule that the body has formed around the band, clearing all sutures and scar tissue, and taking out the Lap-Band itself. The tube and port will also be removed.

Why the Lap-Band is Removed

The key reasons most often reported for taking out a Lap-Band are twofold:

• The surgery might not have succeeded in allowing the patient to lose weight
• Complications may have arisen with the band or surgery
• Erosion of the Lap-Band

Some conditions that lead to a removal of the Lap-Band are erosion, where the band adheres itself to the stomach, infection that is not treatable with antibiotics, and undesirable side effects such as nausea or regurgitation. In addition, the band rarely could slip, leading to a larger pouch size than intended, the patient may have difficulty swallowing, develop dilation of the esophagus or pouch, or experience GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

Expert Surgical now performs Lap-Band removal in Dallas. Our physicians are available to diagnose conditions that you may be experiencing and are leading you to consider removal of your Lap-Band. Contact Expert Surgical today for more information and to schedule your appointment.