Risks of Adjustable Gastric Banding

Most, if not all, weight loss surgeons will require you to be aware of the risks and complications for surgery. All surgeries contain inherent risks, and Adjustable Gastric Banding is no different. Adjustable Gastric Banding is a type of bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), and surgeries are risky.

Adjustable Gastric Banding, is a very popular form of bariatric surgery,  often referred as Lap Band Surgery. Lap Band Surgery, steams from LAP-BAND system a system that was FDA approved in the United States. Another similar, and almost as popular system, is the REALIZE Band system, also approved by the FDA.

Most of the Gastric Banding Surgeries done in the United States will be either of these two. Though their are proprietary differences among them, they are relatively the same in terms of effects for stomach reduction. These also have relatively the same type of risks and complications.

General surgery risks are great when the undergoing patient has underlying and previous health concerns. Everybody has different medical histories, and circumstances so only a trained physician can tell you what risks you have.

Bariatric Surgery includes many, many risks and potential complications. It would be too long to list here, so here is some of the more common risks:

• abdominal hernia
• reaction to anesthesia and medications
• internal and external bleeding
• death
• dehydration
• diarrhea
• gallstones
• gastrointestinal inflammation or swelling
• heart attack
• infection
• injury to surrounding organs
• pneumonia and pulmonary embolism
• nausea
• pain
• stoma obstruction
• stretching the stomach
• stroke
• blood clots
• vomiting

When consulting a bariatric surgeon, be sure to ask about your individual condition and the risks associated with your surgery.

Depending on which type of gastric banding you choose you will still face additional risks associated with the device itself. These risk are not common - but do happen - for both of the LAP-BAND and REALIZE systems.

• Band problems (erosion, slippage, leakage)
• Esophagitis (inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the esophagus)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Port problems (displacement, leakage, port-site infection)
• Stoma blockage
• Stomach problems (pouch enlargement, slippage)
• Tubing problems (disconnection from port, leakage)