Although adjustable gastric-band surgery is generally safe and effective, there are potential side effects, as with any surgical procedure. Many companies make the band device used in the surgery. Allergan manufactures the trademarked Lap-Band device. During a gastric-band procedure, a surgeon wraps the band across the upper stomach, creating a smaller pouch that empties into the larger, lower part of the stomach. This results in patients feeling full after eating small food portions. Side effects may occur due to the surgery, complications or the band itself. In the Lap-Band U.S. clinical trial, 89 percent of patients reported at least one adverse event following surgery.
Post-Surgery Infection
To perform the Lap-Band procedure, a surgeon does not have to enter the gastric cavity. In fact, the surgery requires just a few, tiny incisions, normally less than half an inch. This greatly minimizes, but does not remove, the risk of infection. In a 2002 article for the American Journal of Surgery, Dr. Christine J. Ren wrote that in one study post-operative infection occurred in 4 percent of Lap-Band patients. All of the infections were successfully treated with antibiotics. One patient did develop further complications that were successfully treated.
Band Slippage
Sometimes the Lap-Band device slides down the larger stomach pouch, causing the band to tighten. The problem can occur if the band was placed too loosely, if too few stitches were placed, or if the patient eats a meal that is too large. According to Allergan, band slippage occurs in 24 percent of cases. The slippage problem is typically resolved by a physician repositioning or tightening the band device.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can be a normal side effect of Lap-Band surgery. Acid reflux can lead to heartburn. While the condition can be treated with over-the-counter antacid medication, it should be reported to the treating physician. Sometimes, if the patient has had no problems with acid reflux post-surgery and then suddenly develops it, the condition could be triggered by a band slippage.
Band Erosion
Band erosion is a serious potential side effect of Lap-Band surgery. The condition develops when the band device rubs against and eventually erodes into the stomach. It is rare. In her study, Dr. Ren noted the condition occurred in less than 1 percent of Lap-Band patients. A patient may first begin to notice that he is able to eat more than before. There may also be pain or redness at the incision site. Untreated, band erosion can lead to a serious infection. To treat the problem, a surgeon must surgically remove and reposition the band.
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