Lap Band Removal

Lap band removal is something that many patients wouldn't like to think about in any way shape or form, because of their dreams of a cure being dashed or simply because of the large amount of money that they've spent on the surgery already.

You may need to pay extra for lap band removal also so this is not a good prospect for many.

There is also the lack of hope that many patients might experience as the lap band may have been perceived as a cure all for some time, especially if weight gain has been a constant battle. Getting rid of the band essentially means going back to square one and beginning a new search for the solution to their problems once again.

However if the patient has had a bad time caused through the surgery, it could be a real relief and the feeling of hope might be gained by the fact that the whole experience is now behind them.

Whist there are many success stories, there are those for whom the band hasn't been successful.

The following video clip is from a lady in the US who had lap band removal and suffered a lot of pain and discomfort because of it.

The reason for having her band removed was due to a leak in the tubing that connects the port to the band, which meant that it couldn't be adjusted which is the fundamental benefit of the lap band. In fact the video shows the actual band that she had removed and describes very clearly how it should work, so if you're considering the operation it's well worth watching. You can see the expandable insides of the lap band which the surgeon fills with saline solution to reduce the size of the stomach or removes to increase it.

Here's the video...

She also shows the port which is usually placed just below the skins surface where the surgeon can insert or extract any solution depending on the progress of the patient.

You may need lap band removal for many reasons, such as a leak in the tubing, an irritable stomach or an infection or for many other reasons. Whatever the cause the final outcome is that the band has to be removed. This is again a surgical procedure which is basically the opposite of the lap banding operation itself.

There may be some damage to surrounding tissues and organs such as the liver which could lead to bed rest like this lady until the pain and swelling subsides. Lap band removal is possible but it needs to be under the supervision of a fully trained surgical team, ideally the same hospital who fitted it originally.

The most likely outcome after lap band removal is weight gain UNLESS the patient has learnt the basics of a good diet and regular exercise regime throughout the experiences with the adjustable band.

So it's even more important that habits are formed and a quick return to a healthy eating pattern is resumed after all is done.