Gastric Band Removal Surgery
If your band is causing issues or no longer working for you, you can choose a straight band removal or consider upgrading to a gastric sleeve.
Reasons For Gastric Band Removal
One of the reasons you chose a gastric band in the first place was probably because it was a reversible operation that kept the option of removal or revision open at a later date. Patients consider removal for several reasons, including:
- A complication with your band eg erosion
- Personal choice, you don’t want to work with it or attend adjustment appointments
- You have regained some of the weight you lost and want to convert to a more powerful procedure such as a gastric sleeve
- You were unable to adhere to the strict diet required with a band and want to progress to a different type of procedure
The Band Removal Procedure
Band removal is usually a very straight forward operation taking less than 30 minutes in theatre. It is done under general anaesthetic as a day case so you will go home the same day.
Potential complications of gastric band removal are similar to those of band placement and published data shows gastric band removal to be a safe and effective procedure. In the rare case of band erosion where the band device has eroded into the stomach, there is a small, but increased risk of stomach perforation. Erosions may be dealt with surgically or endoscopically, your surgeon will discuss this with you.
Considering Revision To Gastric Sleeve?
Removal of the gastric band with revision to a gastric sleeve can generally be done in a single surgery. The band device, port and tubing is removed and and, as with a primary gastric sleeve, 85% of the stomach is removed leaving a thin ‘sleeve’.
As well as being able to physically eat less, patients see a reduction in appetite and cravings as the part of the stomach responsible for the hunger hormone ghrelin, is removed.
You may be eligible if your BMI is over 35 or over 30 if complications with your gastric band are causing safety concerns.
The cost of revision surgery is generally less than the combined cost of a band removal and primary gastric sleeve. We’ll give you an accurate cost when we speak.
Our Gastric Band Removal Surgeons
Our expert group of gastric band surgeons are the most experienced band surgeons in the UK, with over 20,000 band operations performed between them. This group includes Professor Rishi Singhal and Mr Paul Super.
The first step will be a free consultation, call our team on 0800 313 4618 or complete the form below.