If you have had gastric banding surgery previously and are experiencing complications such as pain or weight gain, you are not alone. Advanced Houston Surgical, under the expert care of board-certified surgeon Dr. Rizwan Chaudhry, specializes in lap band removal in Houston, TX, to help patients achieve digestive well-being and introduce them to the safer and more efficient weight loss procedures available.
Lap bands need frequent adjustments and can affect the stomach over time; many patients find that the risks or side effects eventually outweigh the benefits. Patients consider undergoing lap band removal surgery in Houston, TX, due to:
A serious reason for lap band removal is band slippage, which happens when the band moves from its original position, causing the stomach pouch to enlarge or block food.
Some patients suffer from severe acid reflux disease because of the small stomach pouch created by the band that forces stomach acid back up into the esophagus. If medications do not relieve heartburn, removal of the band is usually the solution to cure heartburn and save the esophagus.
Not every patient reaches their weight goal with a lap band. If weight loss stalls or weight comes back despite a strict diet and exercise, lap band removal gives a fresh start.
If the band is too tight or has caused scarring, eating solid foods can be difficult. Patients may have to stick to soft foods or liquids, which can result in nutritional deficiencies. Removing the band helps them eat normally and also relieves them of vomiting and discomfort.
We focus on keeping our patients safe and comfortable. When you come in for lap band removal at our Houston office, Dr. Chaudhry will examine your stomach and band, which may include imaging tests or an endoscopy.
The surgery is done under general anesthesia. Using a small camera called a laparoscope, our surgeon gently cuts the scar tissue around the band. The band is then removed through one of the small incisions, along with the port under the skin of your abdomen.
Because we use minimally invasive techniques, most patients can go home the same day or after a short stay. Recovery is usually faster than the original band surgery since the stomach is being freed instead of tightened.
In fact, for many patients, the removal of the lap band is not the final chapter in the weight loss journey but merely a prelude to a better outcome. If you wish to continue losing weight or sustaining weight loss, Dr. Chaudhry can guide you on the available revisional surgeries.
In many cases, lap band removal surgery can be done at the same time as a switch to a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. This single-stage approach fixes band complications and starts a more effective weight loss method immediately.
If there is significant inflammation or scar tissue, our surgeon may recommend a two-stage approach, allowing the stomach to heal for a few months after removal before performing the new surgery.
When it comes to your health, experience matters. Dr. Chaudhry is a board-certified surgeon who trained at the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic. Many patients rely on him for complex revisional surgeries.
As a reputable lap band removal clinic in Houston, TX, we pride ourselves on offering a professional and caring atmosphere for our patients. Many patients feel disappointed after the first weight loss procedure fails to work as expected, but we are here to listen to all our patients, offering the care and support they need during the recovery process.
Most patients go home the same day, return to light work in about a week, and resume full activity in 2–3 weeks.
Many insurance plans cover it when medically necessary, and we can assist with the approval process.
Yes, once the band and port are removed, the procedure is permanent, and your stomach returns to its natural shape.
Living with complications from a gastric band can take a toll on your physical health and mental well-being. We offer safe and effective lap band removal in Houston, TX. Call us at (713) 263 3900 to secure an appointment.
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