Bariatric surgeries have proven to be extremely effective and equally safe; they are frequently compared to gall bladder operations in terms of their very low risk. At the same time, along with the rise in first time Lab Band and sleeve gastrectomy operations, band to sleeve revision procedures are becoming increasingly typical and many of them have been performed by leading weight loss specialist Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

These procedures typically occur for one of two reasons. Sometimes procedures may lead to complications and need additional work. More often, however, patients may receive a sleeve gastrectomy after Lap Band because the initial procedure simply didn’t do the job. While the Lap Band can often produce truly outstanding results for patients, the sleeve gastrectomy offers certain hormonal benefits that may facilitate weight loss more effectively.

Specifically, there appears to be a direct relationship between sleeve procedures and a hunger hormone called ghrelin. This hormone appears to be responsible for the feelings of hunger that make sustaining a weight loss so difficult because, the more weight an individual loses, the more of the hormone the body produces. Fortunately, the gastric sleeve appears to remove the portion of the stomach – known as the fundus – which produces the lion’s share of the hormone.

If you are interested in a Lap Band revision procedure, or are interested in an initial procedure and would like to learn more about such important issues as the pluses and minuses of Lap Band vs. gastric sleeve operations, then you have come to the right place. Contact our offices to learn more about attending one of Dr. Feiz and Associates regularly held seminars.