Possible Risks of the LAP-BAND® System

Gastric banding with the LAP-BAND® System is one of the safest surgical weight loss alternatives available, but the procedure is not entirely risk-free. There are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure, and LAP-BAND® System surgery is no exception. Choosing a skilled, experienced surgeon can help to minimize the risks and complications of weight loss surgery while maximizing its potential for effective and lasting results.

Risks of LAP-BAND® System Surgery

Patients who decide to undergo LAP-BAND® System surgery are at risk of certain surgical problems and complications. Though a skilled surgeon can minimize these risks, they cannot be completely avoided in every case, and it is important for patients to understand the risks they face when choosing a weight loss procedure.

• Death: The risk of death associated with LAP-BAND® System surgery is extremely small. However, the risk does exist, and patients choosing weight loss surgery must understand this.
• Organ damage: LAP-BAND® System surgery is a laparoscopic procedure, meaning that it is performed through a series of small incisions with the aid of a camera inserted into the body cavity. As is the case with all laparoscopic procedures, patients undergoing LAP-BAND® surgery occasionally sustain organ damage. The stomach, spleen, and liver are at greatest risk, though the risk is still very small. If one or more of these organs is damaged, additional surgery may be required.
• Circulatory damage: Some LAP-BAND® System patients sustain damage to major blood vessels during surgery. This can result in additional blood loss during surgery. Some patients also experience blood clots during or after surgery, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Wound rupture: In some cases, incision sites can tear or rupture. Though such a problem can be resolved, it may result in larger-than-expected scars.

Post-Surgical Complications

LAP-BAND® System patients may also experience post-surgical complications related to the LAP-BAND® System itself. Some of these complications may require corrective surgery, and occasionally the system may need to be removed completely. If this is the case, it may be possible to undergo another form of weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass.

• Band deflation: If the band, valve, or connective tubing becomes damaged, the band may leak saline fluid, causing it to deflate and requiring band repair or replacement.
• Slippage: In some patients, the band or stomach may slip out of place. This could obstruct the stomach opening.
• Band erosion: Rarely, the band may erode into the stomach.
• Stomach pouch enlargement: In some cases, the stomach pouch may stretch or enlarge over time. This increases the stomach's capacity, which may slow or reverse weight loss and require band adjustment.

Discuss LAP-BAND® System Surgery with a Weight Loss Surgeon Near You

The only way to determine whether gastric banding is the right option for you is to discuss your medical history and goals with a trained bariatric surgeon. Use DocShop's bariatric surgeon listings to locate a weight loss doctor in your area who can help you make the right choices for your health. Only by discussing the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery with an expert can you learn which treatment, if any, is best for you.