Gastric Band Slippage Symptoms

It is important to know that a band can slip (slide) at any time but more commonly several months after the operation and following a period of weight loss. A minor slippage can usually be taken care of by removing fluid from the band, a slip that lasts for a long time or a major slippage that causes severe pain may require a re-operation. One of the firsts smptoms of a slippage is pain or severe reflux even with small portions.

An upper GI study in which a patient drinks liquid and x rays are taken  to see the position of the band and how liquid travels in the esophagus and stomach is a quick but effective test to demonstrate a significant slippage. Over - eating is also another simple cause of reflux that can be treated with portion control.

Symptoms of band slippage (or prolapse) are difficulty tolerating solid or liquid foods at a previoiusly tolerated fill level, and heartburn or reflux.  Diagnosis is easily made with an upper GI series, also sometimes called a barium swallow.  Endoscopy is not necessary.  Though emptying the band will sometimes reduce the symptoms, reoperation will ultimately be required to solve the problem.  Options include repositioning the band, replacing the band, and removal of the band.  If the band is removed, however, all lost weight will be rapidly regained unless something else is done.

I generally recommend that the band be removed, with simultaneous conversion to another procedure such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.