Lap-Band Management
At Northwest Weight & Wellness Center (NWWC), we are dedicated to helping people find weight loss success and sustainable wellness. We were among the first bariatric practices to offer Lap-band® surgery and our team is skilled in the comprehensive management that is required by many gastric band patients. At our Everett, Washington clinic, we offer personalized care for lap-band patients from Seattle, the greater Pacific Northwest, and beyond.
What Kind of Management is Required for Lap-Band?
Medical technology is constantly evolving, which is a good thing because it allows us to find the best possible health treatments. Lap-band surgery, a type of gastric banding, was a revolutionary procedure when it was initially approved for weight loss. Unlike other well-established and popular bariatric surgeries, such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, the lap-band procedure does involve the insertion of a medical device. While any medical device can require maintenance, there are additional issues that can create the need for post-surgical treatment. In the case of gastric banding, recent studies have shown a Trusted Source High failure rate of the laparoscopic-adjustable gastric band as a primary bariatric procedure Kindel T, Martin E, Hungness E, Nagle A Go to Source high rate of post-surgical complications , as well as a large number of patients who do not achieve satisfactory weight loss. At NWWC, we offer lap-band management for patients who are still happy with their lap-band results, as well as patients who are seeking removal or revision of their lap-band.
Lap-Band Management With Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging technology that allows your healthcare provider to see anatomical moving images, kind of like an x-ray movie. At NWWC, we use fluoroscopy to examine the placement of your lap-band. Studies show that Trusted Source Gastric Band Adjustments: Benefits of Fluoroscopy-Guided Adjustments Ponce J, Smith AB Go to Source fluoroscopy offers many benefits for band patients, as it allows us to quickly diagnose any complications and provide more accurate band adjustments if needed.
Lap-Band Removal and Revision
Patients who are experiencing lap-band complications may choose to have their band removed. If your lap-band failed to help you reach your weight loss goal, or if you have regained weight, a revision procedure may be right for you. Many patients who were unsatisfied with their gastric band results have gone on to find lasting weight loss success with a band-to-sleeve, band-to-bypass revision, or band-to-duodenal switch surgery.
At NWWC, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance at health and happiness. We will waive the consult fee for patients who choose to have a band removal or revision procedure, even if your original lap-band surgery was at another practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lap-Band Management
Each patient is unique and your treatment plan will be customized to meet your individual needs. Our team of doctors and weight loss experts will be there to support you on every step of your journey.
Can NWWC help with band management even if a different surgeon performed my original surgery?
Yes, we accept patients who had their original procedures elsewhere.
What are signs of gastric band complications?
There are several types of band complications that can occur, including band slippage, band erosion, and esophageal dilation. Symptoms that can indicate band complications include:
- Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight regain
How do I know which revision procedure is right for me?
At NWWC, our board-certified bariatric surgeons offer a range of revision options, so you can be sure we’ll recommend the one that best suits your needs and goals. During your consultation appointment, we will review your medical history and explain your options in order to recommend a treatment plan for you.
Contact Northwest Weight & Wellness Center
If you have any questions about lap-band management or revision procedures, we can help. Our experienced and compassionate team of weight loss professionals is here for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
1 Kindel T, Martin E, Hungness E, Nagle A. High failure rate of the laparoscopic-adjustable gastric band as a primary bariatric procedure. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2014 Nov-Dec;10(6):1070-5. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2013.11.014. Epub 2013 Dec 6. PMID: 24630503.
2 Ponce J, Smith AB. Gastric Band Adjustments: Benefits of Fluoroscopy-Guided Adjustments. Bariatric Times. 2010;7(11):8–12
The providers at Northwest Weight & Wellness Center have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.