Yes. Most of the time, the surgeon can perform both procedures at the same time. However, you should know that if the surgeon discovers gastric erosion or very thick tissue, then it is recommended to perform the procedure in 2 steps:
- 1st step – remove the lap band, and
- 2nd step – wait 3 to 6 months then perform the gastric sleeve procedure
The surgeon can decide the best course of action at time of endoscopy, swallow test or during the actual surgery. The chances of not having the lap band removed at the same time as the gastric sleeve procedure was reported at less than 5.0%.
