Risks of Lap Band Surgery: Fast Facts

While there are many benefits of a lap band surgery or procedure regarding weight loss, there are risks with any surgical operation. Lap Band procedures present a much lower risk than gastric bypass, but there are still risks. Know your facts thoroughly before embarking on any surgery. According the official lap band website, here are a few risks and side effects that could happen on your journey.

• There is a risk with any surgery, especially with patients that are seriously overweight.

• Death is always a risk with any surgery.

• In lap band procedures, gastric perforation can occur. This is a tear in the stomach wall.

• Bodies can have a reaction to a foreign object being placed in the body and reject it.

• There is a risk of stoma obstruction. This is a stomach outlet blockage.

• There is a risk of band slippage.

• Nausea is a common side effect.

• Vomiting can be a common side effect.

• Reflux and regurgitation are common after a lap band procedure.

• Due to side effects, 25% of recipients elected to have the lap band removed.

• It can amplify and create poor esophagus function.

• Constipation can sometimes occur with lap band procedures.

• Diarrhea is reported in some patients receiving a lap band.

• 9 % reported dysphasia. This is difficulty in swallowing.

• Another 9 % required a second surgery to negate problems with the procedure.

• Esophagitis has been reported. This is inflammation of the esophagus.

• Dehydration is common, due to the fact that the stomach can only hold small amounts following a lap band procedure.

• Some patients report abdominal pain.

• Hernias following the procedure have been reported.

• Sometimes, the lap band erodes into the stomach. This can take years, but sometimes happens immediately.

• The only way to correct an eroded lap band is open surgery.

• Infections can occur with the lap band.

• Fatigue has been reported by patients with the lap band.

• Some patients experience burning and tingling at the lap band site.

• Women can experience dysmenorrhea. This condition involves painful and difficult periods.

• Gallstones can occur, and may result in having to have the gall bladder removed.

• Ulcers can occur in the esophagus. This is usually due to acid reflux brought on by the lap band.

• During surgery, spleen or liver damage is a possibility. Sometimes the spleen has to be removed.

• There have been reports of lung problems following the lap band surgery.

• Thrombosis can occur. These are blood clots.

• Damage to major blood vessels can occur.

• The wound where the surgery takes place can rupture.

• Stomach perforation (a tear in the stomach wall) can take place during surgery.

• Those withDiabetes are at more risk for complications.

• Some patients complain of pain at the port site.

• Improper band placement can occur. This will demand another surgery, and may not be able to be performed laproscopically.

• Some patients report a significant increase in gas and bloating.

• Some insurance companies will not pay. Out of pocket, the operation will cost $12,000 to $25,000.

Any surgery should be considered carefully, comparing the benefits of lap band versus the risks. Be sure to discuss the procedure thoroughly with your doctor and other health professionals.

Source: www.lapband.com

Reference:

• www.lapband.com
• www.thediabeticsnob.com
• www.associatedcontent.com/article/5786584/benefits_of_lap_band_surgery_fast_facts.htm