Why Not Get Lap Band Surgery
Lapband surgery is often credited with being one of the safest means to get rid of excess body weight. By placing an adjustable gastric band in the upper portion of the stomach, it creates a new stomach pouch that is small. It is a long term weight loss plan which works by eliminating your hunger needs. However, like all surgical procedures, Lap band is not free from risks and complications. Though it has been proven to work well for majority of patients, everyone may not be an appropriate candidate for the surgery.
Common Disadvantages
Some of the most common disadvantages associated with lap band surgery are
* slower rate of weight loss
* follow-up medical visits
* small risk of slipping and leakage
* vomiting
Surgical risks
The major risks that are recognized in relation to Lap band surgery are significantly lesser than other types of bariatic surgery. The banding procedure does not include opening or cutting of the gastric cavity. There is no cutting, stapling or even bypassing. So the side effects of obesity are avoided. But the surgery itself may give rise to complications.
Possible complications
Alteration in the size of the stomach that is placed above the band is the most significant problem that is associated with gastric banding. Pouch enlargement may occur either due stretching of the wall of the pouch or slippage of the band. There is also the possibility of the band getting eroded within the stomach.
Other Possible Risks and Side Effects
* Vomiting
* Band leakage
* Difficulty in swallowing
* Dehydration
* Gas Bloat
* No weight loss
* Constipation
* Blockage of stomach outlet
* Weight regain
* Ulceration
* Gastritis
* Nausea
* In the rarest of cases, death
Different methods
Though Lap band surgery is performed via laparoscopic procedure, it may not be always possible. The surgeon may have to revert to open method because of defect within the laparoscopic system. This may take longer to heal and longer hospitals stay as well.
Problems Directly Related To the Lap Band System
* Leakage may lead to deflation of the band. The leakage can come directly from the band, the storage, or even the tube that connects the two.
* Band sipping is a common problem
* Because of tampering with the stomach, even the stomach can slip.
* Enlargement of the stomach pouch
* Blockage of the stomach outlet or stoma
General Risks
Infection in the stomach is also possible. Because of complications there may be reduced weight loss further slowing down the weight loss process. It can also cause weight gain. There may be more complications arising for which you may have to go in for more surgery. And in case of rapid weight loss, it may lead to symptoms of anemia, malnutrition and related complications. With existing problems such as large hiatal hernia, diabetes, Barretts esophagus, or emotional problems, more complications may arise. In the event of a surgery already done in the same place before, complication risks rise.