Why Lap Band Surgery Is No Longer Performed—and What Are Your Alternatives?
Lap Band surgery was once a widely used weight loss procedure, but it is no longer performed due to its high failure rates and long-term complications. Research shows that 20–30% of patients experience issues such as band slippage, inadequate weight loss, or erosion of the band into the stomach lining. These complications often require additional medical or surgical intervention, prompting most surgeons to abandon the Lap Band as a viable option.
If you previously had a Lap Band and are now experiencing complications or unsatisfactory weight loss, Dr. Jamokay P. Taylor offers solutions. He specializes in removing the Lap Band and converting it to a more effective and reliable procedure, such as a sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
What Is a Lap Band Conversion Surgery?
A Lap Band conversion surgery involves removing the existing Lap Band and replacing it with either a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. These procedures are more effective in promoting sustained weight loss and addressing obesity-related health conditions.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy reduces the size of the stomach, limiting food intake and helping you feel full sooner.
- Gastric Bypass involves creating a smaller stomach pouch and rerouting part of the digestive tract, which not only reduces food intake but also alters the way the body absorbs calories and nutrients.
Safety and Effectiveness
Conversion surgeries have been shown to be safe and highly effective. Studies published in journals like Obesity Surgery and Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases indicate that these procedures result in substantial weight loss, resolution of Lap Band-related complications, and improvements in conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
What Can Be Done if You Regain Weight After Gastric Bypass?
While gastric bypass is highly effective, some patients may experience weight regain years after their initial surgery. Dr. Taylor offers gastric bypass revision surgery to help these individuals regain control of their weight and improve their overall health.
Revision options include:
- Reducing the size of the gastric pouch.
- Tightening the connection between the stomach pouch and small intestine (stoma).
- Modifying the bypass to enhance its effectiveness.
Studies in Annals of Surgery have shown that gastric bypass revision procedures are safe and effective for patients experiencing weight regain, with many achieving significant weight loss after revision.
Options for Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients with Weight Regain
If you’ve undergone a sleeve gastrectomy and are regaining weight or experiencing complications such as severe acid reflux, Dr. Taylor can perform a conversion to gastric bypass. This option not only promotes further weight loss but also addresses medical issues,
including acid reflux, that may develop after a sleeve procedure.
Is This Safe?
Research published in Surgical Endoscopy confirms that sleeve-to-bypass conversion is both
safe and effective. It is a commonly recommended solution for patients needing a second
chance at achieving and maintaining weight loss.
Why Choose Dr. Jamokay P. Taylor?
Dr. Taylor brings years of expertise in bariatric and revision surgeries, offering patients tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. Whether you’re struggling with complications from a Lap Band, weight regain after gastric bypass, or need a sleeve-to-bypass conversion, Dr. Taylor provides the expertise and care necessary for lasting success.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Dr. Taylor can help you reclaim your health and achieve long-term weight loss success.
