Lap-Band complication symptoms can occur days or months after the original surgery. Lap-Band refers to a trademarked brand of device used in adjustable gastric band surgery, which is a type of bariatric, or weight loss, surgery. There are several different manufacturers of the band device used in the surgery. During a gastric band procedure, a surgeon positions the device around the top of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach, but preserving the larger lower stomach. The smaller stomach size helps prevent overeating, leading to weight loss. Using a port installed under the skin, a physician can later adjust the band using saline, change the pouch size or remove the band entirely.
Obstructive Symptoms
Obstructive symptoms can occur within the first 24 hours of Lap-Band placement. Gastric edema, swelling of the gastric area due to fluid accumulation, can occur due to the volume of fluids a patient receives following surgery. Normally, the condition resolves on its own. About 51 percent of patients will also experience nausea or vomiting, according to Allergan, manufacturers of the Lap-Band device. Prolonged vomiting may be symptomatic of a small bowel obstruction or twisting of the small stomach pouch. A patient should report vomiting lasting more than a few days to her physician.
Symptoms Related to Laparoscopic Surgery
Dizziness and shortness of breath following Lap-Band surgery may be indicative of internal bleeding. This symptom is extremely rare, affecting 1.9 to 3.3 percent of Lap-Band patients, according to Dr. Philip R. Schauer, author of the book "Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery." These symptoms normally occur within 24 hours of surgery and may require additional surgery or a blood transfusion. In his book, Schauer writes that laparoscopic patients have higher rates of bleeding than patients who choose to have open surgery, which requires one large incision as opposed to several smaller incisions.
Problems With the Band Device
About 9 percent of Lap-Band patients experience constipation or diarrhea, according to Allergan. Both symptoms can be a normal side effect of the Lap-Band, but in rare cases it may also be a sign of band slippage, obstruction or leakage. These symptoms can occur within 24 hours of the Lap-Band surgery or months later. In the January 2004 issue of "Surgical Endoscopy," Dr. S.M. Patel writes that these symptoms can be avoided completely if the surgeon places and secures the band properly. Stomach pain, redness or swelling at the port site can signal band erosion, when the band begins to erode into the stomach area.
Gastroesophageal Symptoms
About 55 percent of patients experience long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, says Schauer. This can be caused by esophageal distension or dilatation, which is abnormal enlargement of the lower portion of the esophagus. The condition can also cause chest pains. Typically, patients with higher body mass indexes experience greater severity of GERD. Schauer notes that in 72 percent of cases, a patient is able to work with his physician to control the symptoms. Excessive vomiting can lead to esophageal distension, or enlargement of the lower esophagus, which can cause heartburn and chest pain.
Adjustable Band vs. Gastric Bypass
Adjustable gastric band patients typically lose less weight than gastric bypass patients, but according to Schauer, about 21 percent of Lap-Band patients in one study failed to lose any weight. This can be caused by band slippage, band leakage or band erosion. In most cases, the band can be refilled, repositioned and any damage repaired. But some patients choose to have the band removed and opt for gastric bypass conversion, which is a more invasive procedure.
References
- "Surgical Endoscopy"; Obstructive Symptoms Associated With the Lap-Band; S.M. Patel, M.D.; January 2004
- "Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery"; Philip R. Schauer, M.D.; October 2007
- Lap-Band: Safety Information
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