Side Effects Of Lap Band Surgery
The lapband system is a restrictive surgical procedure designed for severely obese people which normally typifies people who have a body mass index of at least 40. It comes into play when non-surgical methods have been unsuccessful. Through keyhole surgery, surgeons place a non-flattening silicone prosthetic band that is placed around the upper part of the stomach in control the amount a person eats.
Surgery and Risk Hand in Hand
Any kind of surgery is not free from risks or complications. So when you go for a certain surgical procedure, you should be aware of what the risks might be. However, the risks associated with lap band surgery have always maintained a balance of surgical risks against the potentially dangerous risks of obesity. An appointment with your doctor regarding your body needs, understanding it in relation to risks and complications is of absolute importance.
General Risks
The Lapband system can be associated with the same kind of risks that come with all major surgeries. However, there are inclusive risks for people who are excessively overweight. Complications may arise during or after the operation. Despite all precautions, death may happen in the rarest of the cases. The risk of gastric perforation during or even after the surgery might necessitate the need of another surgery. According to a US clinical study, this happened to 1 % of the patients. This study also did not report any deaths. Excess age or weight can also increase the risk in surgery. Certain diseases, arising from obesity or not, can again increase the risk in surgery. Risks may also arise from the methods and medications used in the procedure. There may also be risks arising from the body’s response to a foreign object being implanted in it. However, in all major studies it has been established on the basis of past surgeries that lapband system has fewer occurrences of risks than other surgical procedures.
Complications after Surgery
There are possibilities of complications arising after surgery. Though most of them are not of a serious nature, some may require the patient to be re-hospitalized or re-operated. The US clinical study gives a 3 year follow up record of such surgeries. It noted that 88% of the 299 patients who underwent surgery suffered from one or more adverse effect that rang from mild, restrained to severe. Make sure that you ask your physician about possible complications.
Specific Risks
Discuss about the following risks and complications with your doctor:
* Gastritis
* Heart Burn
* Ulceration
* Constipation
* Dehydration
* Weight Regain
* Gas Bloat
* Dysphagia
* Death
Laparoscopic surgery is marred by certain risks such as:
* Spleen or liver damage
* Lung problems
* Damage to major blood vessels
* Wound rupture
* Thrombosis
* Stomach or esophagus perforation during surgery
Problems directly related to the Lap band system are:
* Leakage may lead to the band getting deflated
* Band can slip
* Stomach slippage
* Enlargement of stomach pouch
* Stoma can be blocked
* Erosion of the band in the stomach