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Gastric Band to Gastric Sleeve Revision in Toronto

If a gastric band has caused problems, or has not helped as much as you hoped, it can be removed and your stomach made into a gastric sleeve. Depending on your stomach, this is done in one operation or in two steps.

For
People with an adjustable gastric band
How
Laparoscopic, through a few small incisions
Steps
One operation, or two a few months apart
Before
An upper endoscopy
One step or two?
1 of 3
A stomach with a gastric band around its upper part, then the band and port removed, then the stomach made into a narrow sleeve. Band Port Where the band sat Removed Sleeve
With a gastric bandAn adjustable band sits around the top of the stomach, joined by a thin tube to a port under the skin.
Educational illustration, not to scale.

Had a gastric band? You still have options.

Gastric bands were a common weight-loss operation for many years. Over time, many people have problems with their band, or do not lose as much weight as they hoped. That is not a personal failure, and it is not the end of the road.

  • Weight regainOr less weight loss than you hoped for.
  • A slipped bandOr a pouch above the band that has stretched.
  • Trouble eatingFood getting stuck, vomiting or trouble swallowing.
  • Heartburn or refluxOften worse at night or when lying down.
  • Port or tube problemsPain, leaks or a port that has moved.
  • Band erosionLess common: the band wears into the stomach wall.

Why not just remove the band? Removing a band on its own is often followed by weight regain. That is why many people choose to replace it with another procedure, such as a gastric sleeve, at the same time or later.

About Gastric Band to Gastric Sleeve Surgery

If you are disappointed with your results after a gastric band, revision surgery may help. A conversion removes your band and its port, and makes your stomach into a gastric sleeve.

How the gastric sleeve works
Gastric bandGastric sleeve
The stomach
Squeezed by a band near the top
About 80% removed, a narrow tube remains
Adjustments
Fills through a port under the skin
None, there is no band or port
Hunger
The whole stomach stays
The upper part that makes most of the hunger hormone ghrelin is removed
Food's route
Through the band, then the stomach
The natural route, through a smaller stomach

One step or two?

The band removal and the sleeve can be done together or in separate stages, depending on the condition of your stomach. Switch to compare.

Many people have the band removed and the sleeve made in the same operation. One anesthetic, one recovery.

  1. Consultation A free review In person in North York or online.
  2. Before Upper endoscopy Your surgeon sees your stomach and esophagus.
  3. Operation Band out, sleeve made The band and port are removed and the sleeve is made, all at once.
  4. After Recovery and aftercare Eating in stages, with your dietitian and nurse.

Why two steps? When a band has slipped or worn into the stomach, or the tissue around it is thick and scarred, waiting lets the stomach heal before the sleeve is made. This may lower the risk of problems with the staple line. Sometimes the decision is made during the first operation, once the surgeon can see the tissue.

Your surgeon explains which plan is advised for you, and why.

Should My Gastric Band Be Converted to a Sleeve or a Bypass?

Some people with a band consider a gastric bypass instead of a sleeve. Studies comparing the two after a band have found broadly similar weight loss in the first one to two years, and some have found more complications after a bypass. The right choice depends on you.

A sleeve is often discussed when

  • You have little or no heartburn or reflux
  • Your stomach and esophagus look healthy on endoscopy
  • You prefer that food keeps its natural route

A bypass may be discussed when

  • You have significant heartburn or reflux
  • The band has affected your esophagus or upper stomach
  • Your surgeon finds that a sleeve is less suitable for you

Your surgeon explains which option suits your history, your health and your goals. Read more on our blog: can I have a sleeve after a gastric band?

How Is Band Conversion Surgery Performed?

Your step-by-step guide, from the first conversation to the operation itself.

  1. 01

    Finding out if it is right for you

    The first step is a free consultation with our team. We look at your band, your weight history and your health, and make sure other options have been considered. If your band is no longer working well for you, a conversion to a sleeve may be an option.

  2. 02

    Before your surgery

    You need an upper endoscopy so your surgeon can see your stomach and esophagus. Imaging, such as a barium swallow, and bloodwork are sometimes added. Bring any records you have from your band surgery and adjustments.

  3. 03

    Removing the band

    The band and its port are removed laparoscopically, through small incisions. In a one-step plan, the stomach is made into a sleeve in the same operation. In a two-step plan, the sleeve is made later.

  4. 04

    Scar tissue and safety

    Because this is revision surgery, your surgeon may find scar tissue where the band sat. This can make the operation longer or more complex, and it is one reason a two-step plan is sometimes chosen. Your surgeon explains the risks before you decide.

What to expect after a conversion

Life after a conversion looks much like life after a first sleeve, with a little more care at the start.

  • Going home

    Some people go home the same day and some stay longer after a conversion. Your team tells you what to plan for.

  • Eating in stages

    Clear fluids, full fluids, puréed and soft foods, then a regular diet, as after any sleeve. Your dietitian guides each step.

    Eating, stage by stage

  • Time off work

    Most people take 1 to 3 weeks off work after a sleeve, depending on their job. Your surgeon tells you what to plan for after a conversion.

  • Vitamins and follow-⁠up

    Daily bariatric vitamins for life and regular bloodwork. Your coordinator confirms the aftercare included in your plan.

    360 Complete Care
Risks to know about

Revision surgery can be more complex than a first operation. Some risks, such as a leak from the staple line, are higher after a conversion than after a first sleeve. Your surgeon goes through the risks that apply to you before you decide.

This page is general information, not medical advice.

What sets your price

  1. 01One operation or twoDecided with your surgeon
  2. 02What your review showsYour band, your endoscopy, your health
  3. 03Your aftercare planConfirmed by your coordinator

Your consultation is free, in person or online

How much does it cost?

The price of a band-to-sleeve conversion depends on your history and your plan. Your coordinator confirms it after your review, before you decide anything.

Because revision surgery at 360 Sleeve is done in a private clinic, it is not covered by OHIP. Financing through Beautifi or Medicard, over 6 months to 6 years, may be available for qualified patients.

Price and financing

Had a gastric bypass instead? Read about TORe, an endoscopic option for a stretched outlet.

Questions about band to sleeve

What people with a gastric band ask us first. Your surgeon answers them for your own history at your consultation.

Still wondering? , or ask the assistant in the corner.

  • 01Can a gastric band be converted to a gastric sleeve?

    Often, yes. The band and its port are removed and the stomach is made into a sleeve. A consultation and an upper endoscopy show whether it is right for you.

  • 02Is it done in one operation or two?

    Many people have it in one operation. If the stomach needs time to heal, for example after a slipped or eroded band, your surgeon may advise two steps a few months apart. Sometimes the decision is made during surgery, once the surgeon can see the tissue.

  • 03Why not just remove the band?

    A band can be removed on its own. But removal alone is often followed by weight regain, so many people choose to convert to another procedure, such as a sleeve, at the same time or later.

  • 04What tests do I need before surgery?

    An upper endoscopy, so your surgeon can see your stomach and esophagus. Imaging, such as a barium swallow, and bloodwork are sometimes added.

  • 05Is a conversion riskier than a first sleeve?

    Revision surgery can be more complex, because of scar tissue around the old band. Some risks, such as a leak from the staple line, are higher than after a first sleeve. Your surgeon goes through the risks that apply to you before you decide.

  • 06My band was placed at another clinic. Can you still help?

    Yes. A consultation can review a band placed at another clinic or hospital, in Canada or abroad. Bring whatever records you have.

  • 07Will I need vitamins after a conversion?

    Yes. As with any sleeve, you take bariatric vitamins every day for life and have regular bloodwork to check your levels.

  • 08How much does a band to sleeve conversion cost?

    It depends on your history and your plan, including whether it is done in one step or two. Your coordinator confirms the price after your review. Surgery at 360 Sleeve is private, so OHIP does not cover it. Financing may be available for qualified patients.

Your first step is a conversation

A free consultation, in person in North York or online. Meet the team, ask anything and leave with a clear plan and price.

Request a free consultation

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(416) 360-⁠7360 sleeve@clinic360.com 1131A Leslie St #300, Toronto, ON M3C 3L8

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