I had a slipped Lap band that had to be removed. Could I get a ORBERA Balloon?

Hi,
No, I would not recommend an Orbera balloon if you've had a prior lap band. In fact, this is a strict contraindication to Orbera placement, as there is an increased risk of stomach injury or perforation from scar tissue. Other stomach surgeries, such as hiatal hernia repair or gastric bypass, are also contraindications.
Hope that helps-

Currently the biggest contraindication to gastric balloon placement is prior gastric surgery of any kind.  

You can definitely can have a gastric balloon after your band has been removed.  There are two balloons on the market called Orbera and Reshape.  The Reshape is the newer technology double balloon as opposed to the Orbera single balloon.  I have already placed a Reshape in a patient that had a previous Lap-Band slip like yourself and is doing very well. Based on your BMI you may also qualify for replacement of the Lap-Band or a sleeve gastrectomy.  I recommend you seek a surgeon qualified and is performing all of these procedures to best guide you to pick the proper one.

Unfortunately, previous surgery on the stomach is an absolute contraindication to intragastric balloon placement.  This refers to the organ the stomach only, surgery in other parts of the abdomen, like gall bladder removal or hysterectomy do not prevent intragastric balloon usage.  You still have many options.  Previous adjustable gastric band does not prevent you from having vertical sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

Yes you can get the balloon but you may not lose as much weight as you may think.  The balloon is for people that want to lose 20 to 30 pounds at best.  Why not get the gastric sleeve.  The sleeve is more permanent and will give you a lot more weight loss.  you will be happier in the long run.

Hi. If the lap band was removed, and a doctor who is proficient in this procedure does a proper exam, even endoscopy, you may still be able to get a balloon procedure. As long as you do not have a hiatal hernia or previous stomach resection, it is possible.

You should definitely not have gastric balloon after a prior gastric surgery.  Not only has the FDA frowned on this, the companies that make the balloons do as well.  The scarring around the stomach that occurs after gastric surgery makes it more likely that the balloon can lead to excess pressure on the stomach wall, leading to ulcers, or even rupture.

While previous gastric surgery is a contraindication to placing the balloon, a removed band leaves the stomach relatively intact and placing a balloon would most likely not result in any complications. The more important consideration is why did you end up with a slipped band.  Do you have a hiatal hernia that allows the stomach to move upward through the diaphragm?  If that is the case, the problem is not the band that slipped down, but the stomach that squeezed up, through that hiatal hernia.  If so, it should be surgically repaired.  Once repaired, you could consider the Orberra Intragastric Balloon.  Other options would be to have a secondary weight loss operation at the time your hiatal hernia is fixed.  If you are worked up appropriately and no hiatal hernia is found, then you should have no problem with getting the balloon.  Just be aware that it would be an off-label use, because you did have the previous lap band placement and subsequent removal. 

But the balloon is only for six months then it must be removed. It is for shortterm weight loss. The band can be placed back in - or you could get another long term operation like the sleeve.