Lap Band Removal Procedure – All You Need to Know
Guest blog
Lap band is one of the most common bariatric surgeries today. It is performed on obese patients who are unable to lose weight in any other way. In short, the band inserted will lead to reducing the size of your stomach, meaning you will have to reduce the amount of the food you eat. Consequently, it will lead to weight loss.
Unfortunately, many patients eventually have the band removed due to complications or inability to lose weight effectively. There is more to be told about this procedure and the following information will help you understand it better.
Reasons why the lap band procedure failed
There are around 10 different reasons why you need to have your lap band removed. You may not be losing the appropriate amount of weight or the lower part of the stomach has slipped through the band. The band may also get infected and the antibiotics don’t work. It is also possible for the patient to show symptoms of band intolerance, such as pain, nausea or vomiting. Some patients experience GERD, which is a chronic condition leading to heartburn and damage to the esophagus. Port can also get infected, and if the antibiotics don’t help, the removal will be necessary. Lastly, band erosion is also one of the possibilities, making the lap band ineffective, thus it needs to be removed.
The procedure
The lap band removal procedure includes removing the band, the tube and the port from your stomach. The first thing a surgeon needs to do is to cut the capsule that your body has formed around the device. The next step is to remove sutures and potential scar tissues. All the three parts are then removed through the incision. If you went through a laparoscopic procedure when you had your lap-band inserted, then the removal will probably be performed using the same incisions created during the first procedure. In that case, the lap-band removal will only last 10 minutes. In case you initially had open surgery, you’ll probably have another open surgery to remove the lap-band.
Possible complications
There is a somewhat higher risk of complications after a revisional surgery than the initial one. For example, it’s possible to experience some inflammatory reactions around your stomach to the lap-band, which will make the removal procedure and the recovery more difficult. As with any surgery, bleeding may also occur, which means you’ll need a blood transfusion. There’s also a chance of a hole in the stomach to occur. If this happens, then it will be necessary to place a drain tube. It needs to be placed next to the hole for as long as the surgeon thinks it is necessary. When the surgeon believes the are is sutured, that’s when the drain tube will be removed. There is also a chance of anesthesia complications, as well as nausea and vomiting after the surgery. If you have constant pain that is getting worse, nausea or vomiting that don’t subdue after a few days, a high fever or redness around the incisions, then you should consult a doctor immediately.
Your recovery
The cuts made during the removal will be sore for a few days after the surgery. In the meantime, the stitches will dissolve on their own. You may start feeling hungry more often, which could also lead to gaining some weight. You shouldn’t feel too stressed or worried about that. It’s better to share your worries with your doctor so that you can come up with appropriate steps together that will help you obtain healthy weight in the end and maintain it.
Depending on the person, most people are able to return to their usual routine within 1 and 4 weeks. Consult with your doctor about when you are safe to do activities like driving or going back to work. Bear in mind that every person recovers at their own speed.
Final words
Like any other surgical procedure, a lap-band removal carries certain risks. However, if you listen to your doctor instructions, there is no need to worry about complications and the procedure itself. After all, it is there to help you get better.
Guest blog –
Mia Johnson
Freelance writer & Fitness Expert
From Sydney, Australia
Live locally to Norwich and want to book in? Have a look at my price list and contact me by email.
