Obesity in the U.S. has reached alarming levels. No age group is unaffected. According to the Centers for Disease Control, only the state of Colorado and the District of Columbia demonstrated a prevalence of obesity less than 20 percent of their populations. Gastric banding is one method of treating obesity, but there are potential dangers to be aware of before undergoing the procedure.
Band Slippage
Results from studies published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" and "The Journal of the American Medical Association" through the Food and Drug Administration help to delineate the many cautions and warnings about gastric banding.
Slippage of the band is becoming an increasingly common surgical complication. Often times this is a result of improper positioning or poor patent selection. When the band slips out of position, it can increase the risk of erosion into the stomach itself; a potentially life-threatening complication.
Infection
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of post operative infection of the surgical wound(s). Since gastric banding includes the surgical placement of a superficial injection port for use in the inflation/deflation of the band, infection of the device from repeated injections can occur in addition to surgical site infections, or SSI's (reference1).
Non-Compliance
Gastric banding is not a cure for obesity. It is merely a tool that can be utilized in the overall lifestyle adjustment that must accompany a gastric banding procedure of any brand. Unless there is a conscious will to lose weight, many patients find ways to cheat their banding. Examples include consuming high calorie milk shakes, mashed potatoes and other high fat/calorie foods even if consumed in small bites, and passing it off as being compliant.
Aspiration
Occasionally, a gastric band, through intermittent adjustments, can be over-inflated and become too restrictive. This, in turn, can cause obstruction of food entering the stomach, as well as dilatation of the esophagus. As a result of the esophageal dilatation, aspiration of gastric juices into the lungs can occur, causing tissue damage, aspiration pneumonia, ulcer formation and infection.
Stomach Pain after Eating
Food that doesn't easily pass through the band, such as tough cuts of meat or vegetables high in cellulose fibers can result in the food getting lodged or stuck at the band. This can cause considerable discomfort, and occasionally, vomiting. Eating inappropriately large amounts of food can distend the small gastric pouch to the point of pain.
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