Lap Band Side Effects

While lap band bariatric surgery is highly beneficial for the morbidly obese, there are some risks and complications associated with the procedure.  The side effects of lap band surgery may signal post operative problems so it pays to know what they are what they could indicate.

The most common lap band side effects include:

•    Nausea and vomiting – While discomfort may be expected some people experience nausea and vomiting that could be symptomatic of a severe problem. One of those issues could be band slippage or stomach obstruction.  If the nausea or vomiting you experience after your lap band surgery interferes with normal activities, contact your doctor right away to see if there could be a surgery related cause for your issue.
•    Abdominal pain – Some patients experience mild to moderate abdominal pain after the surgery, which  could be normal—if the pain becomes severe, sharp, throbbing and/or is accompanied by a fever,  consult your physician right away as this could be a sign of an serious post operative infection.
•    Acid reflux and heart burn – Some patients complain of heartburn and/or acid reflux after the surgery.  The severity of this issue may indicate band slippage or obstruction.
•    Leakage – A band leak may also occur causing the operation to be ineffective.  Even when no leakage occurs, some patients do not experience a significant loss of weight.
•    Difficulty swallowing food – This can happen for a number of reasons and is another problem that you should bring up during follow-up visits with your doctor.
•    Gassiness and bloating – You may find that you are extremely gassy and experience some seriously uncomfortable bloating.  When this occurs try chewing your food more thoroughly and avoid gas-inducing foods like beans or onions.
•    Ulcers – Sometimes the band can cause an erosion or ulceration of the stomach.  In such cases, the band may be removed to correct the issue.
•    Constipation – Many people find that they have to change their drinking habits (they are instructed not to drink fluids with their meals) and may become constipated.  This is sometimes due to the fact that they do not make up the fluid loss by drinking in between meals (some 60 minutes before and 90 minutes after eating).  Keeping an eye on fluid intake at the appropriate times may fix this problem.
•    Problems sleeping – Other bariatric patients have a difficult time finding a comfortable position to sleep in and as result insomnia may result.  Relax and try to think outside the box.   Using pillows may help alter your normal sleep patterns and provide a more restful slumber.
•    Diarrhea – Diarrhea is another complaint that occurs shortly after their lap band surgery.  This could be due to the liquid diet one has to follow a few weeks after surgery.  Still others may have this problem well after solid foods are re-introduced.  There can be a number of reasons for this, so put embarrassment aside and talk to your doctor when and if this side effect occurs.

Many of the above issues can be easily corrected with a change in diet and a strict observation of nutritional intake.  Others may require a second operation to correct but it may be well worth the effort in the long run.

Lap Band Surgery Can Help

Depending on your situation, the benefits of Lap band surgery may far outweigh the risks.  There are many advantages to lap band surgery, which can include an increase in energy, the reversal of heart and health related problems, and a happier outlook on life.

Just be sure to discuss all the probable risks and outcomes that can arise after your bariatric surgery.  Doing so can make all the difference between your operation success and the eventual attainment of your weight loss goals!