A gastric band, more formally referred to as a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, is a surgically-implemented device used to achieve long term weight loss. During this surgical procedure, the inflated silicone gastric band is fitted around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a smaller pouch above the gastric band. Following gastric band placement, people experience a sensation of fullness after the small pouch fills with food. This earlier sensation of fullness limits the amount of food a person ingests, leading to weight loss. People should discuss gastric band risks with a medical professional before undergoing this surgical procedure.
Gastric Band Slippage
After the gastric band is placed around the stomach, some people can experience gastric band slippage, warns the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery. The gastric band can slide down to a lower part of the stomach, which can increase the size of the pouch above the gastric band. If this occurs, people can experience persistent vomiting or continued difficulty losing weight. Additional surgery may be necessary to replace the gastric band in the correct position.
Gastric Band Erosion or Leakage
Gastric band erosion into a person's stomach is a risk of this type of weight loss treatment, explains the University of California San Diego Medical Center. People who experience this complication can develop stomach inflammation or ulcers; bloating; nausea or vomiting. The gastric band may also deflate, which can cause ingested food to leak through the constricted portion of the stomach. These gastric band risks can result in slow or no weight loss in affected people.
Stomach Blockage
If the gastric band is fitted too tightly around the stomach, people risk developing a stomach blockage, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Symptoms of stomach blockage can include constipation, nausea and vomiting. Food that can't pass into the stomach may flow backwards into the esophagus. This back flow of food can cause symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, such as recurrent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, in affected people.
Infection
As with any surgical procedure, people who have gastric band surgery are at an increased risk of developing an infection following gastric band placement, according to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Infection symptoms, such as fever, inflammation or pain at the surgical site, should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.
Death
Approximately one in 2,000 people is at risk of dying from gastric band placement, says the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery. Such complications are extremely rare, but should be discussed with a doctor prior to undergoing gastric band surgery.
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