How Long Can You Go with a Lap Band Slip Before Re-operation to Reposition or Remove?

Question

Barium swallow confirmed lap band slip after bad cough. Band emptied no change after 6 weeks. Symptoms - primarily acid reflux and food limitations though can eat more. Occasionally get slight pains when I over eat. Recent EGD showed my acid reflux issues. Want to wait to January (5 months) before operation to re-position (if possible) or remove due costs. Will slip hurt my stomach if I don't get it taken care of quickly? 3 months since slip occurred.

Christopher S. Cobourn, MD · Answer

It is generally recommended that a band slip or pouch dilatation be resolved as soon as possible after the diagnosis is made.  Sometimes the symptoms are better with a partial or complete defiling of the band.  Occasionally it needs surgery to reposition or remove the band (if that is your choice).  Most patients find that the band is not helping them and they are not losing weight when there is a slip or pouch dilatation, so the sooner it is treated, the sooner you will get back to losing weight.

Michael F. Sedrak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

certainly the preference is to not wait to address a slipped band, but if the band is completely deflated, and there is no obstruction (you can keep food and liquids down), and there is no pain, its probably ok to wait, keeping in mind that if anything changes or worsens, which can happen at any time, that you would not be able to wait to treat an emergent condition

How Long Can You Go with a Lap Band Slip Before Re-operation to Reposition or Remove?

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How Long Can You Go with a Lap Band Slip Before Re-operation to Reposition or Remove?

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Everything you need to know about Lap Band

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