Bariatric surgery in Australia has been steadily growing since the turn of the century. The first 10 years from the year 2000 saw almost exclusively gastric band performed. However, there has been a rapid decline in the number of gastric bands performed since 2010. In fact, the most common gastric band procedure at present is to remove the gastric band.

How it Works

Gastric band surgery involves implantation of a foreign material to create a tight ring around the upper part of the stomach. This is unique to gastric band surgery, leading to an increase of complications over a long period of time.

In addition, inadequate weight loss, and medium- and long-term weight regain, are more common problems of gastric band surgery compared to other bariatric procedures. Due to complication or inadequate weight management, many patients with gastric bands need to have a second operation, with most requiring band removal. Although gastric band was marketed as a less invasive and safer option, the cumulative risk over a long period of time and the risk of subsequent surgery, probably make it a riskier choice in the long run.

Because of the long-term concerns associated with the gastric band, and availability of better and more reliable operations, WA Weight Loss Centre has not offered gastric band as an option for the last 8 years.

Quick Info

  • There has been a rapid decline in the number of gastric bands performed since 2010.

  • Gastric band surgery involves implantation of a foreign material to create a tight ring around the upper part of the stomach.

  • Because of the long term concerns associated with the gastric band and availability of better and more reliable operations, at WA Weight Loss Centre we have not offered gastric band as an option over the last 8 years.

Gastric band surgery

Further Information

Gastric band surgery involves implantation of a foreign material to create a tight ring around the upper part of the stomach. This is unique to gastric band surgery which leads to increase of complications over a long period of time. They commonly include the following.

  • Reflux and regurgitation and risk of aspiration (Pneumonitis)
  • Band erosion
  • Band intolerance / poor eating comfort
  • Band Infection
  • Gastric band slippage
  • Oesophageal dilation
  • Food trapping / bolus obstruction
  • Gastric pouch dilation
  • Band or port leak
  • Port access problems
  • Hiatal hernia/ band migration
  • Ineffective loss of excess weight
  • Stomach necrosis
  • Catastrophic bleeding.

In addition inadequate weight loss and medium and long term weight regain are more common problems of gastric band surgery compared to other bariatric procedures. Due to complication or inadequate weight management, many patients with gastric bands need to have a second operation, and most requiring band removal. Although gastric band was marketed as a less invasive and a safe option, the cumulative risk over a long period and risk of subsequent surgery add up making it probably a riskier choice.

Because of the long term concerns associated with the gastric band and availability of better and more reliable operations, at Southwest bariatrics we have not offered gastric band as an option over the last 8 years.

If you already had band surgery and are experiencing complications or weight regain, then the most effective solution may be band removal and revision to a more effective bariatric surgery.

If you are privately insured gastric band removal surgery with us carries no out of pocket cost.