Lap Band Revision to Sleeve

Understanding Sleeve Gastrectomy vs. Lap Band

A banding procedure is a reversible procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is tied off with a plastic banding device, which typically must be adjusted a number of times after the initial procedure. The result is that the available area of the stomach is a great deal smaller, which makes overeating uncomfortable and reduces the appetite.

A sleeve gastrectomy takes a more direct route and permanently removes approximately 75%-85% of the stomach. While it may seem more radical than a Lap Band, it is a still regarded as a minimally invasive procedure and, unlike the older gastric bypass procedure, it preserves the essential functions of the stomach. Patients who have the procedure are often able to eat most of the same foods they ate previously – though, obviously, in much smaller portions.

The decision to convert Lap Band to sleeve should be done only in concert with an experienced bariatric surgeon. Dr. Feiz has performed this revisional bariatric procedure many times, and can help you determine the best course of action to take.