3 Reasons Why Bariatric Revisions Serve as a Viable Second Chance

LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As with any other medical technique, there is no bariatric procedure that is absolutely perfect for all patients. While many people consider the Lap Band procedure to be the least invasive type of weight loss surgery, patients who have the procedure on average don't lose weight as quickly as someone who has had a sleeve gastrectomy. Because every patient is different, one procedure may be better suited than another to a particular patient based on their medical history and weight loss needs. It takes an experienced and thoughtful surgeon like Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S. to determine the best course of action for each patient to help them achieve their weight loss goals. Sometimes, however, Dr. Feiz meets with patients who may have been put on the wrong course by another physician and may now require an additional procedure. There are numerous reasons why a Lap Band patient may consider revision surgery in the pursuit of their weight loss goals. Here are a few:

1. Band Slippage – While the majority of Lap-Band patients have success with the procedure, some patients experience pain due to the band slipping down from its point at the entrance to the stomach. One of the main differences between the Lap Band and the gastric sleeve procedure is that the Lap Band involves having a foreign object implanted in the body, while the sleeve gastrectomy simply reshapes and reduces the size of your stomach.
2. No Follow Ups – Because the Lap Band requires placing a foreign object into the body, patients require regular check-ups to make sure that the band is placed properly and to prevent the aforementioned possibility of slipping. Even if patients do not experience any of the possible complications that arise from the Lap Band placement, they still need to see a doctor regularly to make sure these complications don't occur.
3. Hormonal Benefits – Many people are aware that the gastric sleeve works by reducing the size of the stomach, but they aren't aware that removing a portion of the stomach also works hormonally to stop hunger cravings. One of the reasons why we get hunger cravings is that the stomach releases a hunger-causing hormone called ghrelin whenever the stomach is empty, and these cravings actually increase as we lose weight. The sleeve gastrectomy removes a portion of the stomach which releases ghrelin, reducing excessive hunger for sleeve patients following surgery.

Of course, for patients whose Lap Bands are helping them to safely lose weight at a reasonable rate, there is little reason to switch to a gastric sleeve. Yet, there are also many current Lap Band patients who could benefit from the switch for any of the reasons above. If you believe you or someone you love could benefit from revision surgery, don't hesitate to call Dr. Feiz today at (800) 868-5946 or visit the Dr. Feiz & Associates website for more information.

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SOURCE Dr. Feiz and Associates