Can you have a Gastric Sleeve if you have already had the Lap Band

At SleeveMD, led by Dr. Kundhal and Dr. Irshad, we understand that choosing the right bariatric procedure is a critical decision for anyone looking to achieve lasting weight loss and improve their health. Among the most popular options for bariatric surgery are gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. However, another option— the adjustable gastric band (also known as the lap band)—has been a common choice for some patients in the past.

If you have previously undergone gastric banding surgery and haven't achieved the results you were hoping for, you might be wondering if there are other effective options available. The good news is that, yes, you can still pursue a different weight loss surgery, even after a gastric band procedure.

The gastric band is an inflatable silicone device that is placed around the upper part of the stomach through laparoscopic surgery, effectively creating an ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ stomach. The purpose of the band is to restrict the amount of food you can eat at one time by making you feel full faster, thus promoting weight loss. It also slows down the digestive process. Unfortunately, many patients experience limited success due to complications with the device, such as hardware malfunction or a loosening of the band. As a result, many people find it difficult to lose or maintain weight.

At SleeveMD, we’ve worked with many patients who have struggled with the gastric band and are seeking a more effective solution through sleeve gastrectomy. Often, we discover that the band has broken or is no longer functioning properly, which leads to insufficient weight loss. For this reason, we no longer recommend the gastric band as a viable option for long-term weight loss.

When comparing the gastric sleeve to the gastric band, we find that sleeve gastrectomy generally provides better weight loss results with fewer complications. While the gastric band typically results in a weight loss of about 40-60% of your initial body weight, the gastric sleeve can lead to a weight loss of 60-70%. Additionally, recent studies have shown that long-term complications from the gastric band are a significant concern, with as many as 60% of patients requiring additional surgeries to address issues related to the band, according to Columbia University’s Department of Surgery.

If you are considering converting from a gastric band to a gastric sleeve, it’s important to choose a clinic with extensive experience in revision surgeries. These cases can be more complex due to the buildup of scar tissue from the previous procedure. At SleeveMD, Dr. Kundhal, Dr. Irshad, and our highly skilled team have successfully performed numerous band-to-sleeve conversions, and we are confident that you will be in excellent hands.

Our comprehensive after-care program is another key part of what sets us apart. We provide ongoing support for up to 6 years post-surgery, ensuring you stay on track with your weight loss goals in a more reliable and sustainable way than with the gastric band.

If you're ready to take the next step towards achieving your weight loss goals, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced bariatric surgeons today. At SleeveMD, we are dedicated to helping you lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.