Gastric Band Removal

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Cuneyt Kayaalp, on Apr 24, 2024

Imagine you had a procedure to help you lose weight by making your stomach smaller, but now you need it reversed. That’s where Gastric Band Removal comes in. It’s a straightforward operation to take out a gastric band—a tool used to help you feel full sooner than you would normally. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and the band needs to come out, either due to complications or because it’s not helping lose weight as expected. Removing the band helps your stomach get back to its original shape and sorts out any discomfort or problems the band may have caused.

Gastric Band Removal Recovery Timeline

Recovery from this surgery is pretty personal, but here’s a rough guide:

Recovery Duration: You’ll likely be up and about, feeling more like yourself within 2-3 weeks after the surgery.

Stay in Turkey: Hanging around in Turkey for about a week post-op is a good idea, giving you time for a check-up and to start healing.

Return to Work: Most people can get back to their jobs in about a week or two, depending on what you do for a living.

Return to Exercise: Give it a couple of weeks before getting back into light exercise. Hold off on anything heavy or super strenuous for about a month or so.

Visibility of Final Results: You’ll notice your stomach’s back to its usual self right away, but the full benefits and weight stabilizing will show in a few weeks.

Activities to Avoid: Skip the heavy lifting and intense workouts for 4-6 weeks to avoid any strain.

Post-Surgery Diet: You’ll start with liquids, then move on to softer foods, and eventually, you can eat normally again, following what your doctor suggests.

How Does Gastric Band Removal Turkey Procedure Work

Consultation

First up, you’ll chat with your surgeon about why you want the band out, your health history, and what you hope to achieve. This chat helps make sure you’re both on the same page.

Before the Surgery

You’ll go through some checks to make sure you’re fit for surgery, and you’ll need to pause some meds and not eat for a bit before your operation.

The Surgery

Through a few small cuts, the surgeon gets to the band and carefully removes it, putting your stomach back how it was. It’s usually done in about an hour or two while you’re asleep under general anesthesia.

Follow-up

You’ll have a check-up about a week later to see how you’re healing and to talk through any concerns. Depending on how you’re doing, more follow-ups might be needed.

Side Effects of Gastric Band Removal Procedure

• A bit of pain and swelling where the cuts were made
• The chance of getting an infection
• Feeling sick or throwing up
• The possibility of hurting your stomach during the operation
• Scar tissue might form

Gastric Band Removal Surgery Results

Most people are really pleased they had the band removed, saying goodbye to any issues it caused and getting back to eating normally. While results can vary, the success stories are many, especially when done by surgeons who know their stuff.

How to Prepare for Gastric Band Removal Surgery

Lay off any meds that thin your blood as per your doctor’s advice.

• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol a couple of weeks ahead of your surgery.
• Make sure someone can take you home afterwards.
• Plan to take it easy and stay off work for about a week to heal up properly.

Gastric Band Removal Quick Facts:

Procedure	Gastric Band Removal
Duration	1-2 hours
Stay	About 1 week
Cost	€1,000 - €3,000
Anesthesia	General anesthesia
Recovery	2-3 weeks
Final Results	Visible immediately, full benefits in a few weeks
Side Effects	Pain, swelling, nausea, risk of infection
Risks	Infection, damage to stomach, scar tissue
Success Rate	High, varies by individual %90
Exercise	Light after 2 weeks, heavy after 1 month
Back To Work	1-2 weeks
Scars	Minimal
Pain	Manageable with medication
Related Procedures	Gastric Band, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Sleeve Revision

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why would I need my gastric band removed?

If you’re having trouble with the band, like it slipping, not helping with weight loss, or causing pain, it might need to come out.

Can I get the band put back in later?

Removing the band sets your stomach back to its starting state, but if you’re thinking about another weight loss solution, chat with your doctor

Will I put on weight after the band is removed?

It’s possible if you’re not following a healthy lifestyle and diet plan.

Can I have a different weight loss surgery later?

Absolutely, there are other options to explore once you’ve recovered.

How long will I be in the hospital?

Most people are out within a day after the surgery.

Is the surgery going to hurt?

You’ll have some discomfort, but pain relief can help manage this.

What’s the eating plan after getting the band out?

You’ll start with a liquid diet, then gently move to soft foods, and back to a regular diet based on your doctor's advice.

How will I know if I need the band out?

Look out for signs like ongoing pain, trouble eating, or not losing the weight you expected.

Could removing the band mess with my digestion?

You might need a bit of time to adjust, but your digestion shouldn’t be negatively impacted in the long run.

Do I need to go back for checks after the surgery?

Yes, follow-up visits are key to make sure you’re healing well and to catch any potential issues early.

This Q&A can help clear up any worries or questions you might have about getting your gastric band removed, setting you up for a smooth journey back to health.