Lap Band Risks

For individuals struggling with morbid obesity (those weighing 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight) the dream of ever getting rid of extra body fat may seem out of reach.  The prospect of shedding unhealthy pounds via lap band surgery can then become a very alluring prospect, so much so that they will rush full steam ahead into the process without considering associated risks.

All surgeries, including elective cosmetic ones, have potential complications that should be weighed and considered prior to committing to them.  For the lap band procedure, these risks include but are not limited to:

•    Stomach tearing – A small percentage of patients (roughly 1 percent) experience what is called a gastric perforation.  More often than not, this tear may require a second surgery.  Obesity related diseases, age and excess weight are often a cause for this particular issue.
•    Death and/or permanent injury – Every operation carries a risk of death, even those that are performed successfully.  Allergic reactions to medications or to the general anesthetic often increases these risks so be sure to let your doctor know ahead of time if you have these issues.
•    Reaction to the lap band – Although it is rare, your body could reject the band. This occurrence will greatly depend on the way your body reacts to the introduction of a foreign object.
•    Lap band slippage – Lap band slippage, or a prolapse, can occur when the band is improperly placed.  This issue may cause acid reflux or severe episodes of vomiting.
•    Stomach blockage – Also called stoma obstruction or stomach band outlet blockage, this complication occurred in 14 percent of cases and had to be corrected via second surgery.
•    Stomach erosion – 1.3 percent of patents who had the lap band installed found that the silicone band eroded their stomachs.  In such cases, the bands had to be removed surgically.
•    Permanent removal – After a myriad of complications, you may still find that the band will have to be permanently removed.  This will largely depend on the nature of the complications that you have.  Suffice it to say that if it has to be taken out of your body it will be done in your best interest.
•    Infection – In a small number of cases, infections have resulted after lap band placement.  There are several courses of action your doctor can take when this occurs, which can include a round of powerful medications and/or antibiotics.
•    Dehydration – Dehydration and malnutrition from a lack of adequate vitamin intact can occur and seriously damage the health of the patient if not reported.
•    Band leakage or deflation – The band itself can develop a problem and leak.  When this occurs the effect that the patient desired, which is to lose weight, is negated.

People who become severely ill or become pregnant may have to deflate their bands until the issue is resolved.  In any case, being aware of what the potential dangers are and, most of all, being honest with your doctor will help you should any lap band related issues develop.

What Happens Next?

If for some reason the lap band procedure results in major complications or fails to work for you may have to talk to your doctor about other options.  Should the physician you selected for the procedure happen to be a bariatric practitioner he help you find alternatives to lap band surgery.

Whatever happens, do not give up.  Losing weight and maintaining health is a worthy goal.  Even is the lap band system did not work, you shouldn’t give up. Hang in there and try to examine all available options for effective and permanent weight loss.