Band Over Bypass Weight Loss Surgery in Los Angeles (LA)

What Is the Band Over Bypass Procedure?

The band over bypass procedure can be performed on patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and have subsequently regained some or all of the weight back. In order to be a candidate the patient must also meet the standard requirements for bariatric surgery, and have a gastric pouch which will allow for an additional bariatric procedure.

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band — commonly known as the “lap band” — is normally an alternative to gastric bypass. In the lap-band procedure, a ring is placed around the upper part of the stomach, making a small “pouch” that holds very little food; despite eating very little, the patient is full quickly and for a long time. It is one of several effective bariatric surgical options available to patients considering weight loss surgery.

In a band over bypass procedure, a lap band is placed around the stomach of someone who has already had gastric bypass surgery. The band is filled with saline via a small port located beneath the skin. The lap-band procedure can re-start weight loss in someone who has undergone gastric bypass but regained weight. Post-gastric bypass banding helps to continue the patient’s efforts to lose weight.

How is the Band Over Bypass Procedure Performed?

For the operation, which takes place at our Marina Del Rey facility in greater Los Angeles, you will be placed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be fully unconscious during this stomach surgery. At Marina Del Rey hospital we work with anesthesiologists experienced in the treatment of bariatric patients to ensure that the procedure is performed as safely as possible.

Dr. Korman and the surgical team at Marina Del Rey Hospital perform the band over bypass surgery using laparoscopy. This means that instead of making a large abdominal incision, the surgeon makes small incisions, through which he inserts cameras and specially designed instruments. These instruments allow the surgeon to perform operations very precisely while causing much less trauma to the patient’s body. Laparoscopic technique allows for quicker recovery, lower chance of surgical complications, and less patient discomfort. Using these tools, the doctor will place the lap band, as well as the port through which the doctor tightens and loosens the band, in the abdomen.

Although it is not recommended, the lap band surgery is reversible if serious complications develop. The gastric bypass portion is generally not considered to be reversible.

Band Over Bypass Surgeons in Los Angeles

Many Los Angeles residents have had success with LA Bariatrics in Marina Del Rey. As a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, our Los Angeles center and our surgical team meet a high threshold for experience in bariatric procedures. A Center of Excellence must perform at least 125 bariatric operations per year; each individual surgeon must perform at least 50 annually, and must have performed at least 125 in his or her lifetime. Dr. Jeremy Korman, the surgeon and Medical Director of the LA Bariatrics program, has successfully performed over 1000 bariatric procedures.

Los Angeles residents looking for help in treating their obesity can be confident in their choice of LA Bariatrics and Dr. Korman, a proven center for weight loss surgery in Los Angeles.

Band Over Bypass Costs Involved

Revisional bariatric surgery costs can vary widely from region to region, as well as from patient to patient. While it is not possible to give a single quote for all Los Angeles residents, the knowledgeable staff at LA Bariatrics will help to determine your eligibility and insurance coverage for this procedure. We invite you to call today to speak with one of our representatives to obtain further information.

We can help if you’re concerned about the cost of revisional surgery. If insurance does not cover this procedure, our team members are experienced in helping patients explore payment options which are right for them, including affordable financing options. Contact us for more information.

While there are frequently costs associated with bariatric surgery, there is also a high cost to doing nothing. Increased medical costs, increased sick time, lost energy, health complications, decreased comfort, and lower life expectancy are all costs of ongoing obesity.

Recovery Time After Having Band Over Bypass Surgery

Recovery time for the band over bypass procedure is similar to that for the gastric band. Expect to stay in the hospital for about a day. Within about one week, you will be able to return to your normal activity level — less time than with other surgeries. For a couple of weeks, you will need to follow a special diet as your body gets used to the lap band.

Periodically, you will need to come in for adjustments and post-operative check-ups. This follow-up care is a normally scheduled part of the weight loss surgery process.

The team at LA Bariatrics will create a customized post-operative treatment plan to help you meet your health and lifestyle goals, and will be with you every step of the way on your path to success..

Dieting After Band Over Bypass Surgery

Revisional surgery is done to correct weight gain which is sometimes the result of limited compliance with the recommended diet and exercise protocols for weight loss patients. As with any weight loss procedure, attention to diet after band over bypass surgery is very important.

Immediately after surgery, you will be on a liquid diet; over a period specified by your bariatric team, you will ease back into eating solid food. As with many weight loss surgeries, there may be some foods which you will have difficulty tolerating after band over bypass surgery. As part of the patient education process, our bariatric nurse and nutritionist will review a list of potential problem foods as well as food which should generally be avoided as part of a healthy diet.

While healthy food choices are a key to success after weight loss surgery, you should not feel hungry or deprived. The long term goal is an adjustment in lifestyle which allows you to eat what you want, but in moderation. Working with the LA Bariatrics nutritionist at one of our Los Angeles facilities to determine the right diet for you is crucial to losing weight and keeping it off.

If you are concerned about regaining weight after gastric bypass or other surgery, please call LA Bariatrics, located in Marina Del Rey. Our number is (310) 577-5540. Or you can schedule a one-on-one appointment to learn more.