Lap Band Management, Removal and Revision
Many people in Australia still have a gastric band (lap band), often placed years ago. Some are doing well. Others have trouble eating, reflux, vomiting or weight regain, or no longer have anyone looking after their band. Dr Lourensz sees people at every stage, regardless of who did the original operation.
Looking After an Existing Band
Even a band that is working well needs regular review. Dr Lourensz can take over the care of a band placed by another surgeon, including:
- band adjustments (adding or removing fluid)
- review of your eating, weight and symptoms with Dietitian Louise Becroft
- checking for problems with the band, port or tubing
Signs Your Band May Need Attention
- food sticking, vomiting, or only managing soft foods
- new or worsening reflux or heartburn, especially at night
- coughing or choking when lying down
- pain around the port, or a port that has flipped or moved
- weight regain, or not losing weight despite adjustments
These can be signs that the band has slipped, the pouch or oesophagus has stretched, or the band has eroded into the stomach. Tests usually include a gastroscopy and a barium swallow or CT scan.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Sudden severe pain, or being unable to keep down even water, needs urgent review. Please go to your nearest emergency department.
Removing a Band
Band removal is usually a keyhole (laparoscopic) operation, done as day surgery or with an overnight stay. For some people, removal is the right end point, particularly if they have kept their weight off or have had ongoing problems with the band.
Many people regain weight after the band comes out, so it is worth talking through what comes next before you decide.
Changing to a Gastric Sleeve or Bypass
If you would like ongoing help with your weight, the band can be replaced with a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass. Dr Lourensz will go through which option suits you.
One operation or two? Where it is safe, the band is removed and the new operation is done under the same anaesthetic, so you only need one anaesthetic and have to recover from surgery once. However, sometimes it is safer to remove the band first and let the stomach heal for a few months before the second operation. This is usually the case when the band has slipped or eroded, or there is significant pouch or oesophageal dilatation. Your scans, gastroscopy and the findings at surgery guide the decision, and sometimes it can only be made during the operation to remove the band. Dr Lourensz will discuss the options in detail with you beforehand.
Revision is more complex than a first operation, and the risks are higher. You will have a full assessment first, including a dietitian review, and the same follow-up as any other weight loss operation.
What Happens Next?
Ask your GP for a referral to Dr Lourensz, then request an appointment. If your band was placed elsewhere, please bring any operation reports, recent scans or adjustment records you have.
Reviewed by Dr Kaleb Lourensz · Last reviewed October 2026