Gastric Band Removal

Laparoscopic gastric banding is a popular weight loss surgery in the UK, which involves placing a silicone band around the stomach to restrict food intake. 

However, in some cases, gastric banding can cause complications or become ineffective, necessitating removal surgery. The gastric band is usually removed using the same laparoscopic method that was used to insert it earlier.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Removal Surgery

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band removal surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. It involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert laparoscopic instruments, which the surgeon uses to remove the gastric band from the stomach.

At KCM Clinic, we perform this surgery under general anaesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and patients can usually go home the same day. Recovery usually takes a week or two after the surgery. 

We provide detailed post-operative instructions that you need to follow to ensure a speedy recovery and minimise complications.

What Are the Reasons To Remove the Gastric Band?

There are several reasons why a patient may need to have their gastric band removed, such as:

Inadequate Weight Loss

Gastric banding is designed to help patients lose weight by reducing their food intake. However, in some cases, the band may not be effective enough, and the patient may not lose enough weight.

Severe Heartburn

After undergoing a lap band procedure, some patients may develop new symptoms of heartburn. In some cases, severe heartburn may also lead to inflammation of the oesophagus, also known as esophagitis.

Esophageal Dysmotility, Dilation, or Esophagitis

Long-term use of lap bands may result in the expansion of tissue in the oesophagus (esophageal dilation), lack of movement (dysmotility), or inflammation (oesophagitis), necessitating laparoscopic adjustable gastric band removal surgery.

Food Intolerance

Gastric banding can cause difficulty in swallowing food, leading to complications like acid reflux, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Band Slippage

The lap band may slip, causing severe pain and nausea. In such cases, emergency surgical revision or removal of the gastric band may be necessary.

Band Erosion

While rare, gastric bands may also erode and cause long-term port infection. 

Why Don’t We Perform Gastric Band Implantation?

While gastric banding can be an effective weight loss surgery, we do not perform gastric band implantation at our clinic. There are several reasons for this:

Higher Risk of Complications

Gastric banding has a higher risk of complications compared to other weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Complications such as band slippage, erosion, and infection can occur, requiring removal surgery.

Lower Success Rate 

Gastric banding has a lower success rate compared to other weight loss surgeries. Patients may not lose as much weight or may experience weight regain over time.

Availability of Better Alternatives

There are other weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, that have a higher success rate and lower risk of complications. These surgeries may be a better option for some patients.

At KCM clinic, we believe in providing the best possible care for our patients. We incorporate practices and methods that reduce the complications and problems for patients while increasing their health benefits. That’s why we do not perform gastric band surgery in the UK. 

However, we perform gastric band removal in the UK as and when needed by patients to ensure their safety.   

Cost of Gastric Band Removal in UK

At KCM Clinic, our priority is to provide patients with the highest-class medical care based on their individual needs and expectations. For over 10 years of working with overweight patients, we have developed, as a multidisciplinary team, an optimal package, containing a number of tests and consultations necessary to perform the procedure.

The Total Cost Estimate of the package includes:

• Laparoscopic treatment – using J&J or Covidien staplers
• Hospitalisation in a comfortable room with Wi-Fi and Netflix service
• Comprehensive diagnostics and all preoperative consultations
• Personal Coordinator at the Hospital and postoperative care plan
• Personalised care from a clinical dietitian and psychologist along with a 7-week diet plan
• Access to our patient support group – KCM Clinic – Weight Loss Surgery Poland
• Access to our youtube channel – KCM Bariatric Kitchen