Gastric Band to
Gastric Sleeve

Some patients may not achieve the results they expect from gastric band surgery, or they may experience side effects. It’s possible to convert the procedure to a gastric sleeve, or ‘sleeve gastrectomy’.

Gastric Band to Gastric Sleeve

Some patients may not achieve the results they expect from gastric band surgery, or they may experience side effects. It’s possible to convert the procedure to a gastric sleeve, or ‘sleeve gastrectomy’.

Surgery at a Glance

Gastric Band to Gastric Sleeve at a Glance

Procedure Time:

2 - 3 hours

Hospital Stay:

1 night

Light Activities:

first 6 weeks

Fully Recovered:

6 - 8 weeks

Gastric Band to Gastric Sleeve in Detail

Although a gastric band (or ‘lap band’) is intended to be a lifelong weight loss solution, it is possible to convert the procedure to a gastric sleeve (also known as a sleeve gastrectomy). This can be a total or partial gastric sleeve, depending on your individual situation.

Some patients may not achieve the results they expect from gastric band surgery. If you have made all the necessary lifestyle changes to accommodate the band but still aren’t achieving the weight loss that was expected, a revision procedure to convert to a sleeve may offer better results.

Other reasons for having a band to sleeve conversion procedure include band slippage or severe heartburn, which may occasionally occur after the procedure.

During this type of conversion surgery, the gastric band is removed from the abdomen and a regular gastric sleeve procedure is then carried out.

A conversion to a gastric sleeve can bring benefits to a patient who has a gastric band. These include:

  • Can help you achieve the weight loss results you were aiming for following surgery
  • Can rectify issues such as erosion or slippage of the band
  • Can stop symptoms of heartburn (acid reflux) and nausea
  • Can stop pain in the gastric band port site
  • Stops the requirement to have band fills and aspirations

Gastric band to gastric sleeve conversion surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep for the duration of the procedure. This type of revision surgery can be complex, as scar tissue which formed after the original surgery can make surgery more difficult.

Converting a gastric band to a gastric sleeve involves your surgeon making incisions in order to remove the lap band and its port before they begin the sleeve gastrectomy procedure.

During the gastric sleeve procedure, most of your stomach will be removed to significantly reduce its capacity and the remainder will be stapled into a sleeve shape. As the surgery removes the part that produces the appetite-producing hormone, ghrelin, your appetite will be reduced as well as the amount of food you can eat.

This type of procedure could help if you’re not achieving the weight loss results you expected from your gastric band surgery. If you are experiencing pain in the port site for your gastric band, are suffering from acid reflux (heartburn) and/or nausea, a revision surgery could be the answer. In addition, it can provide a solution in instances where a gastric band has slipped or eroded.

If you would like to avoid the requirement to visit a clinic to have your gastric band filled or have an aspiration, then conversion to a gastric sleeve could work for you. 

All types of surgical procedure carry some element of risk and complications, and conversion surgery from a gastric band to a sleeve is no different. This type of revision surgery does have a slightly higher risk due to existing scar tissue from the original procedure. Some of the risks and side effects include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation

Failure to complete the sleeve and instead convert to bypass instead

I did it, and so can you!

Roseanne has lost 7.5 stone with gastric bypass surgery

I’m in a great place to help you with your weight management journey because I’ve been through weight loss surgery myself.

It was a year after the first lockdown and my weight was getting me down. I was starting to avoid social events, and my confidence was at an all-time low. Having tried many diets unsuccessfully, I started to look into weight loss surgery. Shortly after, I had my gastric bypass surgery. That’s why I’ve joined the team here at Klinikal, as I know exactly how it feels to go through this journey and how I can best support you.

I’m almost 2 years on, and my life has never been better. I’m happy, feeling great and I’ve met the love of my life – all things that didn’t seem possible before my surgery. In total, I’ve lost 7.5 stone, but I’ve gained confidence, peace of mind and find myself just really loving life now.

Roseanne Gage

Klinikal Surgeon Assistant

Why choose Klinikal for weight loss surgery?

Our highly experienced team have helped 1000’s of patients achieve their weight loss goals.

Dietetic support programme tailored to your needs

Localised care – clinics and hospitals near you 

World-class General Medical Council Registered Bariatric Surgeons 

Unparalleled aftercare – here when you need us

We’re affordable – ask about our finance options 

Read our real five-star patient reviews

Lauren
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5 star service from everyone I have spoken to so far at Klinikal. They’ve been so helpful and informative. I feel so at ease, and I’m looking forward to my surgery.
Jp G
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I recently had a conversation with Klinikal about undergoing weight loss surgery after years of struggling my weight. Roseanne talked me through everything I would go through on my journey from pre to post procedure. She was amazing. I’m really looking forward now to a new me in the new year with the team’s help.
Anna McPhee
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Had a video consultation for facelift and it was extremely informative. The surgeon explained everything and showed me before and after photos. He made me feel totally at ease. I’ve now booked to have my facelift. Lovely staff - thank you, Emma, for your support! You've been just brilliant.
Lesley
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Had a video call today, the surgeon was brilliant. He explained in detail how it’s done and showed me before and afters. Needless to say I am now booked and can’t wait to have my surgery in a few weeks! Would highly recommend so far.
Danielle Martinson
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I’ve previously had cosmetic surgery and thought this time I would shop around more. A friend recommended I speak to one of the surgeon assistants at Klinikal. So glad I did! Had an amazing consultation, she was so knowledgeable and patient.
Lee
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Had an initial consultation with Harriet. She has been really informative and helpful. She went step by step through the procedure and got it all booked for me! I’m really excited to have the surgery that I’ve been looking forward to for such a long time.
Petrina Simmons
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I was enquiring about weight loss treatments, and the lady I spoke with was extremely helpful and honest. She guided me to the best treatment for me, even though what she suggested was a lot cheaper. She spoke to me in understandable terms and was very friendly and polite.
Molly Pratt
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Just had a phone consultation from Larna at Klinikal. She was very informative and put me straight at ease, explaining step by step the process - something that has bothered me for years. I will be meeting the surgeon and Larna on video call next week - excited to say the least!
Tina
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Talked to a very helpful woman who gave very warm and precise information about services offered. We talked about different elements and deciding factors on why I chose to go with this company. Overall great first communication.
Stephanee Day
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Just had a great consultation with a surgeon assistant from Klinikal. She was super informative and helpful. Previously having had surgery with Mr Sulaiman, I’m looking forward to having another surgery with him!
Jackie Dickson
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Had a great consultation with one of the surgeon assistants. I was made to feel so comfortable, and all of my questions were answered. Now I'm looking forward to my eyelid surgery with Mr Khalil.
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Which weight loss surgery is right for me?

There are three main types of weight loss surgery: gastric band, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass. Each surgery uses a different technique to help you towards your weight loss goals.

Your Klinikal weight loss journey

Deciding to have weight loss surgery can be really empowering. But to help you make an informed decision, you need to understand the surgical process and what your journey will involve. At Klinikal, we know that this is important.

We’ve summarised each stage of the journey to give you an idea, but of course your experience will be tailored to your own needs.

Nice to meet you!
Your journey with us begins with a call from a weight management surgeon assistant. One of our highly experienced, friendly surgeon assistants will talk you through our weight loss procedures, pricing and finance options, and answer any questions that you might have.

Meet your surgeon
After speaking to your surgeon assistant, they’ll match you with the right bariatric surgeon for your procedure. You’ll meet them via video call, where they’ll take you through your surgery in more detail. If required, you’ll meet your surgeon in person.

Meet your dietitian
Your dietitian will be an important part of your weight loss journey. Before your surgery day, you’ll meet them to go through the dietary changes that you’ll need to make pre and post-surgery. They’ll give you plenty of advice and will be able to answer any dietary questions that you might have.

Pre-op nurse appointment
It’s important that you’re fit to go ahead with your surgery. That’s why we’ll schedule in an appointment with one of our lovely nurses, who’ll make sure that you’re well enough to proceed.

Surgery day
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for! We’ll welcome you into one of our Klinikal locations where you’ll settle into your private room. You’ll then head down to theatre to have your procedure. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your luxurious suite to recuperate.

Post-op and beyond
Once you return home to recover, you’ll have our full support. You’ll have post-op appointments with a nurse and you’ll see your surgeon again to make sure that you’re recovering nicely. Your surgeon assistant and dietitian will also be in touch regularly, and you can call our helpline if you have any issues.

Nice to meet you!
Your journey with us begins with a call from a weight management surgeon assistant. One of our highly experienced, friendly surgeon assistants will talk you through our weight loss procedures, pricing and finance options, and answer any questions that you might have.

Meet your surgeon
After speaking to your surgeon assistant, they’ll match you with the right bariatric surgeon for your procedure. You’ll meet them via video call, where they’ll take you through your surgery in more detail. If required, you’ll meet your surgeon in person.

Meet your dietitian
Your dietitian will be an important part of your weight loss journey. Before your surgery day, you’ll meet them to go through the dietary changes that you’ll need to make pre and post-surgery. They’ll give you plenty of advice and will be able to answer any dietary questions that you might have.

Pre-op nurse appointment
It’s important that you’re fit to go ahead with your surgery. That’s why we’ll schedule in an appointment with one of our lovely nurses, who’ll make sure that you’re well enough to proceed.

Surgery day
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for! We’ll welcome you into one of our Klinikal locations where you’ll settle into your private room. You’ll then head down to theatre to have your procedure. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your luxurious suite to recuperate.

Post-op and beyond
Once you return home to recover, you’ll have our full support. You’ll have post-op appointments with a nurse and you’ll see your surgeon again to make sure that you’re recovering nicely. Your surgeon assistant and dietitian will also be in touch regularly, and you can call our helpline if you have any issues.

Gastric Band to Gastric Sleeve FAQ's

A large portion of your stomach is removed during the gastric sleeve procedure, and so you are making a permanent change – once you’ve had the surgery, it can’t be reversed. It’s a lifelong commitment which will allow you to reach your goal weight and maintain it, but you’ll need to work with the sleeve to succeed.

The gastric sleeve procedure can either be total or partial, and which you have will depend on your specific situation. In a total gastrectomy, the whole stomach is removed, apart from the remaining sleeve section. The alternative procedure, partial gastrectomy, involves only part of the stomach being removed. A total gastrectomy is typically the type of surgery used for weight loss.

It’s important that you follow the diet that is provided to you to avoid complications and discomfort as you heal after your conversion surgery. As a substantial part of your stomach will have been removed, as well as the part which produces the hormone which creates your appetite, you will want to, and be able to, eat less than before and still feel satisfied.

You will be given in-depth information regarding your diet following surgery, including food and drink that you should avoid. This will help to ensure that you are on the right track after your revision procedure.

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Trailblazer

As a trailblazer in our affiliate programme, you’ll have a crucial role in building our brand trust through personal stories and experience sharing. We ask that you:

  • Write a review detailing your experience with Klinikal.
  • Share your journey, from deciding to have surgery through recovery, with us and your social circle.
  • Share your transformation by providing before and after photos.