As with any surgical procedure, there is the risk of gastric banding complications. Slippage is one of the most common issues related to the lap band. This occurs when the band slips up or down from its original position around the stomach, resulting in one or more symptoms that can cause unpleasant physical symptoms and offset weight loss.

While the lap band (adjustable gastric band surgery) is not as common as it once was, many people battling obesity are still successfully using it as a tool for considerable weight loss and eventual weight management.

Slippage is most commonly due to eating too quickly resulting in stomach bloat. Other contributing factors can include vomiting, overeating and even drinking too many carbonated beverages.

All of these issues can cause the band to move as a result of over-extension (bloating) of the stomach.

Gastric Lap Band Slippage Signs:

Food Consumption Changes

You may notice a decrease in appetite, being able to eat more than usual, or experiencing an unexplained discomfort during and after eating.

Nausea or Vomiting

When the band on your stomach slips, it can be difficult for food to pass through. This may make it feel like there is food trapped in your prolapsed stomach. This sensation can cause your body to want to expel that trapped food, leading to vomiting.

Acid Reflux

Feeling heartburn-like symptoms is a sign that your stomach acids are coming back up your throat from the stomach (esophagus). This can lead to chest pain, bloating, burping, hiccups that won’t stop, and other GI discomfort.

Abdominal Pain

Some patients with gastric banding slippage have told me they just feel like “something isn’t right” in their stomachs. They are able to complete normal daily tasks but don’t feel close to normal.

“I Think I’m Experiencing Lap Band Slippage”

If your lap band moves out of place, your lap band surgeon will need to make an adjustment as quickly as possible in order to relieve symptoms so you can resume losing weight.

If it’s only a mild slip, your surgeon may be able to deflate the band so that it can re-adjust. However, moderate and severe band slips will typically require a laparoscopic surgical procedure to replace the band or remove it if further complications are present.

If you notice any signs or symptoms of what you think could be a lap band slip, you should contact your surgeon right away. Even if you think you’re showing all the signs, only your weight loss surgery doctor will be able to tell you for sure.

What if I’m Ready to Replace my Gastric Band with Another Bariatric Procedure?

Changing from one bariatric procedure to another is called revision bariatric surgery.

For some people, gastric banding, and the ongoing need for office visits and adjustments, no longer fits their lifestyle. Or, they did not achieve the overall weight loss goal they had hoped.

Since the lap band’s initial popularity some years ago, the sleeve gastrectomy (“the sleeve”) has become the most popular bariatric weight loss surgery operation.

For others, gastric bypass bariatric surgery is the right procedure.

If your lap band needs to be removed, by choice or as a result of a complication, a qualified bariatric surgeon can go over other weight loss surgery options with you. There may be another procedure that will work better for you and help achieve your ultimate weight loss goals.

A great read.

Dr. Sowemimo,

Thanks for this helpful article. We always hope that lap-band slippage won’t happen, but it is so important to know the signs and symptoms just in case it does, so we can get help as soon as possible. Since so many of the symptoms can happen for other reasons, too, I think it is important to also take home the message that it’s best to contact your surgeon or doctor whenever you have doubts, not just when you’re sure you have a serious problem!

Thanks also for explaining the possibility of revision to a gastric bypass. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s necessary – but fortunately, it can be quite successful! I think a band can be revised to a sleeve, too.

Thanks for the informative article.

A great read.

Thank you for reading it! Wishing you continued weight loss success! Dr. Seun.

Thanks for the informative article.

I really appreciate you reading it. I looked at your stats--you are doing great! Keep up the outstanding job! Dr. Seun.

Dr. Sowemimo,

Thanks for this helpful article. We always hope that lap-band slippage won’t happen, but it is so important to know the signs and symptoms just in case it does, so we can get help as soon as possible. Since so many of the symptoms can happen for other reasons, too, I think it is important to also take home the message that it’s best to contact your surgeon or doctor whenever you have doubts, not just when you’re sure you have a serious problem!

Thanks also for explaining the possibility of revision to a gastric bypass. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s necessary – but fortunately, it can be quite successful! I think a band can be revised to a sleeve, too.

I appreciate you reading my article and your comments, Alex. You bring up a good point--most gastric banding patients do not experience complications and go on to lose substantial weight in the process. Thank you for sharing my POV. Wishing you continued success. Dr. Seun | Prime Surgicare | New Jersey