For some patients, a gastric band may no longer be effective due to weight regain, reflux, or food intolerance.
Patients may require band removal due to weight regain, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), or food intolerance, which can range from intermittent obstruction to complete inability to tolerate solids.
Less commonly, issues such as pouch enlargement, band slippage, or erosion may necessitate removal. Converting from a band to a sleeve typically results in around 60% excess weight loss at 12 months.
Under general anaesthetic, five keyhole ports are used—often reusing previous incision sites to minimise new scarring. The liver is gently retracted, and any adhesions or scar tissue around the stomach are carefully dissected. The band is then divided into pieces and removed, with thorough inspection to ensure no foreign material remains. The gastric port is removed, and wounds are closed with buried dissolvable sutures and local anaesthetic.
If converting to a sleeve, this procedure is typically performed 10–12 weeks after band removal once scar tissue has softened. The operation is similar to a primary sleeve gastrectomy, but special attention is given to dissecting the stomach at the previous band site to avoid complications such as sleeve migration or inadequate resection, ensuring optimal long-term outcomes.
Circle of Care can provide quotations for revisional bariatric surgery, and patients are encouraged to check their health fund coverage for relevant item numbers:
31585 Laparoscopic removal of gastric band
31575 Laparoscopic Sleeve Resection
31572 Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
A gastric band may need to be removed due to weight regain, reflux (GORD), food intolerance, band slippage, pouch enlargement, or erosion. Some patients experience difficulty tolerating solids, leading to an unhealthy liquid diet, making conversion to another bariatric procedure necessary.
In many cases, Circle of Care can safely perform a one-stage conversion from band to sleeve or bypass. A pre-operative endoscopy is usually conducted to ensure suitability. In some situations, a two-stage approach may be recommended for patient safety.
Patients converting from a gastric band to a sleeve gastrectomy typically achieve around 60% excess weight loss at 12 months. Long-term success is supported by Circle of Care’s allied health program, which guides eating technique, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
