It is very often that prospect patients call us at DayOne and ask, “Can the Lap-Band be removed?”, “Do you have patients who asked to have their bands removed?”, or “How long do I have to have a band?” First of all, of course the lap-band can be removed and this surgery is fully reversible; nevertheless, we don’t recommend it. Moreover, there is no date when the band should be removed, and we expect our patients to keep their bands for lifetime.

It is true that as any type of implant, lap-band could wear down, or will require repositioning . Nevertheless, in this case we would advise replacing the old band with the new one, instead of complete removal of the band. Expectation of lifetime with the band is not only a belief held by DayOne Health, but also an assumption shared by the creators of the band . According to the LAP-BAND AP System®, there is no reason to remove the band unless complications occur, or the patient doesn’t lose weight with the band. We must point out here that in our Chicago clinic we had very few cases of band removal. Moreover, one of them resulted in putting the band back. As we mentioned earlier, this weight loss surgery is fully reversible, so if you would decide that you don’t want to have a band any longer it is possible to take it out. However, since lap-band is not a miracle weight loss surgery, but a procedure that helps to control your eating habits, taking the band out would be like depriving yourself of the best possible tool to keep your hunger in check. In other words, there is a high probability that after removal of the band, you will start gaining back the weight you lost. In addition, you have to remember that removal of the band requires surgical procedure, and in some cases it can’t be performed laparoscopically. Therefore, if you don’t have any complications associated with the band you should consider it as something that will stay with you for the lifetime. You must remember also that the gastric band is adjustable, which means that you can decide at anytime how much of the restriction you need. Our Chicago clinic operates five days a week, and if you feel like you need a band loosened or tightened up, just call us and schedule an appointment. Before you decide about the removal, you should definitely discuss this matter with your weight loss surgeon, and check whether the adjustment of the band can solve your problems.

We at DayOne Health in Chicago believe that there are no failures, but only delayed successes. In other words, if you didn’t manage to lose as much weight as you expected in first months after surgery, don’t give up! We understand that not losing as much as you expected, or not achieving the weight of your dreams within a year from surgery may be frustrating. Nevertheless, you have to remember that the aim of our Comprehensive Program is not only to help you lose weight, but to help you lose weight in a healthy manner. Everyone’s body is different and that is why for some patients it may take a little longer than for others to achieve their ideal weight. Remember, secret to the success lies in you and your dedication to achieve what you planned! If you feel that you haven’t lost as much as you wanted, or would like to hear more about the lap-band surgery call us today at 312.291.7501 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              312.291.7501      end_of_the_skype_highlighting and schedule your appointment!