Lap-Band surgery involves placing a saline-filled ring around the upper portion of the stomach. This ring closes off the larger, bottom portion of the stomach and leaves a small pouch in the upper portion. This small pouch is now where the food goes, and due to the small size it dramatically reduces food intake, leading to weight loss. While Lap-Band surgery is less invasive than other bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, it still has some potential side effects.
The Surgery
The first potential risks are present in the surgery procedure itself. The surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, so major risks such as incision healing are reduced. However, there is still a small chance that during the procedure that damage to other organs, such as the liver, may occur. Blood clots and cutting of the stomach wall are also possible side effects. Even though the Lap-Band surgery is not near as invasive as other forms of bariatric surgery, the surgical risks should be discussed with a doctor.
Band Problems
A possible side effect involving the gastric band is the possibility of it slipping out of position or rotting away into the stomach. While these side effects are rare, they are listed as potential complications by the University of San Diego Medical Center. Saline can also leak from the band, causing a feeling of nausea and general malaise.
The gastric band port could also cause potential issues. The port is located just under the skin and is attached to a tube which leads to the gastric band. This is where saline is injected to tighten the band if need be. There are possible side effects relating to infection at the port site.
Nausea and Vomiting
As mentioned above, leaking of the saline solution from the gastric band or the port tube can cause nausea. Nausea can also be caused by eating too much food or the wrong types of food. Due to the small size of the stomach pouch, the stomach can not digest certain foods like it once did. According to the Maine Medical Center, fatty meats and certain raw fruits and vegetables are examples of foods the stomach can not tolerate. Fruits with skins, such as apples, and raw vegetables, such as broccoli that has a tough stalk, are difficult for the smaller stomach to handle. When the stomach can not digest food properly, nausea occurs. Another common cause of nausea is dehydration. With the smaller stomach size, fluid intake is often neglected. The nausea from dehydration and excess food often leads to vomiting.
Intestinal Distress
In addition to nausea and vomiting, there are several other intestinal side-effects that have been associated with Lap-Band surgery. Gastric reflux, the entrance of stomach acid into the esophagus, can cause moderate heartburn. Constipation often occurs as a result of the lack of fibrous foods in the diet. Without high fiber foods to make waste elimination easier, fecal matter can remain in the colon for longer periods of time. Possible dehydration, a possible side effect mentioned above, can also lead to constipation and bloating.
Prevention/Solution
While some side effects of the Lap-Band bariatric surgery are not easily preventable, such as saline leakage or band erosion, other side effects are. Nausea and vomiting can be prevented by learning to eat smaller portions, and recognizing what foods your stomach can tolerate and staying within those boundaries. Work with your physician to determine the cause of your post-surgery side effects, and develop a nutrition plan that will give you the vitamins and nutrients your body needs while adjusting to new eating habits. The major benefit of the Lap-Band bariatric surgery is that it can be easily reversed if any side effect is too severe.
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