I have had lap band, and have been thinking of having a revision?

Talk 2 surgeon...: You should go back to your surgeon and talk with them. Usually, people have to convert from a lap band to another type of operation that not only affects how much you eat (restrictive) but also an operation that affects how you absorb your food (malabsorptive). As you might imagine that's a big step, and most surgeons require quite a bit of counseling to determine the right type for you.

Talk with surgeon: I'm not sure what you mean by revision. With a lap band procedure done today, there should be the ability to make the pouch of stomach smaller or larger with injecting saline into a bag from outside the skin. If you mean another surgical procedure, obviously it is based on your specific case & surgeon & internist/gi docs. Don't recommend it. Perhaps you were not good candidate to begin with.

Band Issues Are Real: About 30% of band patients will develop reflux, intolerance, or esophageal problems that might lea to removal and revision. Not a failure, but an actual problem due to the chronic blockage of a band. Choose a surgeon with great care to consider a revision. Must be able to do all procedures and have a strong reputation. However, there are also patients we see who need band adjustment, not revision!

Talk to your doctor: When considering a revision of your band, there are multiple things to consider and different options. One possibility may be a band repositioning. Another may be removing your band and converting to a sleeve or a bypass. Revisional surgery is complicated and has a higher risk of complications. Make sure you all of your questions answered before you go under the knife.

Why: If you have a slip or erosion you need a revision. But if you are not losing weight then your brain needs to learn how to use the band.

30% bands come out: Recent long-term studies have shown that about 30% of bands seem to come out or get removed due to either gastric reflux, chronic vomiting, or intolerance. It is hard to know preoperatively who that 30% will be. So, if you are having those kinds of trouble, don't feel bad. Pretty common and not your fault. Revision to a sleeve or bypass can be quite effective.