What is Lap-Band “slippage”?
Slippage occurs when the Lap-Band moves down the stomach so that the pouch above the band is larger than it should be. This allows more food to be consumed and weight loss may slow. As well, patients may notice regurgitation of food or heartburn at night when they lay down. Slippage of the band is rare and occurs in approximately 2% to 3% of patients. It can present with acute symptoms of abdominal pain, difficulty eating solid food, or as a failure to lose weight. The acute symptoms are pain, bloating and possibly vomiting. Patients with Lap-Band slippage may experience some difficulty in swallowing liquids and solids. If slippage of the band is suspected, it can be diagnosed with a barium study of the stomach or endoscopy. Slippage can usually be repaired with a laparoscopic procedure and only rarely is it necessary to remove the Lap-Band. If a patient develops Lap-Band slippage there is no additional charge to repair or replace the Lap-Band.
