Does a Lap Band Have to Be Removed After So May Fills or Years?

Question

Does a Lap Band 'expire' after so many uses or years?

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question.
The lap band is intended to remain indefinitely and is typically only removed when the patients experiences symptoms attributed to the band. Since most patients gain weight after band removal, a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass is often performed at the time of removal.
Kind regards,
Dr. Moein

Sergio Verboonen, MD · Answer

A lap-band needs to be closely supervised, when we started working with obesity and lap-bands 20 years ego there where very few bariatric options, today we know that an unsupervised lap-band can create very serious damage than can include erosion and perforation of the stomach. You need to get tested asap

Christopher S. Cobourn, MD · Answer

No, the Lap Band is designed to be a permanent implant.  If the Lap Band is removed, studies show that patients will likely regain the weight they have lost.  During the Lap Band procedure there are no permanent changes made to the stomach, so if the band is removed the stomach will return to the configuration and function it had prior to the procedure.

Arif Ahmad, MD · Answer

The lap band is intended to be a lifelong tool to control hunger a patients hunger. If any complications arise the lap band sometimes has to be removed. It is important to go for adjustments until the &ldquo;green zone&rdquo; has been reached. The &ldquo;green zone&rdquo; is when the right amount of fluid is in lap band therefore the patient can control their hunger, use portion control, is not hungry between meals, and has achieved satisfaction.

Ricardo M. Bonnor, MD, FACS · Answer

The Lap Band is meant to theoretically stay in your body for a long time, the amount of time has not been clearly defined as it has only been FDA approved since 2001.  With proper follow up and adequate proper nutritional intake, you should experience long term success with the lap band. If issues arise with the lap band, it can be removed but this usually means considering other surgical options.

Does a Lap Band Have to Be Removed After So May Fills or Years?

Answers (8)

Answer: Lap band lifelong

Answer: Lap band lifelong

Answer: How long can the Lap Band be in my body?

Answer: How long can the Lap Band be in my body?

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Does a Lap Band Have to Be Removed After So May Fills or Years?

Answers (8)

Answer: Lap band lifelong

Answer: Lap band lifelong

Answer: How long can the Lap Band be in my body?

Answer: How long can the Lap Band be in my body?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lap Band

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.