Gastric band removal

One of the reasons you chose a gastric band in the first place is probably because it is a reversible operation that keeps open the option of removal or revision to another procedure at a later date. 

Removal may be required for a number of reasons, including:

• A complication with your band, such as an erosion, requiring that the band is removed
• Your personal preference to have the band removed, possibly because you feel you no longer want to work with it
• Having lost weight with a band you have regained some of that weight and want to convert to another procedure such as a bypass or sleeve 
• Perhaps you were unable to work with the band diet regime and want to progress to a different type of procedure

The good news is that if you do want your band removed it is usually a very straightforward operation that requires less than 30 minutes in theatre. It is done under general anaesthetic and would usually be a day case procedure, meaning you would go home on the same day.

The complications of the gastric band removal operation are very similar to those for band placement. In the case of an eroded band placement, on rare occasions, the band removal will be necessitated by the band eroding into the stomach (‘erosion’). Erosions bring a small, but increased risk of stomach perforation. Erosions may be dealt with surgically or endoscopically, and your surgeon will discuss this with you before you proceed.

The published data shows gastric band removal to be a safe and effective day case procedure.