Sleeve gastrectomy after gastric band: is it possible?
Gastric Band Removal
The gastric band is not just wrapped around the top of the stomach ; there is also a fold of stomach over the band. This is why, with a gastric band removal, we need to remove all the sutures around the band, which are holding it in place.
Then, you will be asked to wait 1 to 3 months before planning your sleeve gastrectomy procedure.This is too allow the scar tissue to become less thick, fibrous and inflamed in the region we will have to come back and staple through.
When things have settled down, your stomach will have, hopefully, gone back to its normal format. Then, if your surgeon has established that it is safe to proceed, we will staple along your stomach and remove ¾ to complete the sleeve procedure . We believe that delaying the sleeve procedure may reduce the risk of having a sleeve leak which can be a significant complication.
When is it not recommended to have a sleeve gastrectomy after gastric band removal?
In specific situations, about 1 in 10 patients, it is not possible to have a sleeve gastrectomy after a gastric band removal, simply because the procedure wouldn’t be safe for the patient. If a band has been there for too long, the procedure could cause excessive scarring and create higher leakage risks.
Obesity Surgery in general
At Advance Surgical Perth, we offer a range of surgical procedures. If you suffer from obesity, chances are you also experience other health challenges, such as diabetes, mobility issues or hypertension.
Our team of surgeons, dietitians and clinical psychologists helps you along the journey, to make well informed decisions, and to get clarity on the recommended lifestyle changes before and after your surgery.
At Advance Surgical, we are a team of highly qualified and experienced professionals. We founded our clinic because we believe that patients deserve reliable, high quality obesity surgery solutions in case diet and lifestyle changes just are not working. If you have a gastric band, and wanted to find out whether you could have a sleeve gastrectomy after your gastric band has been removed, speak to our team at Advance Surgical.
- Read more about the Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure and what to expect.
- Learn more about obesity and the problems that can arise.
- Calculate your BMI and read about consequences of having a BMI over 35.
- Read about what other weight loss surgeries we do at Advance Surgical.