Laparoscopic gastric banding surgery is one strategy to help with weight loss. The surgeon fastens a band containing an inflatable balloon across the top part of the stomach and fixes it in place. This creates a tiny, upper stomach pouch with a stoma opening that allows food to pass to the larger lower section of the stomach. Gastric banding achieves weight loss by decreasing food intake. Complications with gastric banding are similar to problems with any other surgical procedures.
Band Slippage
The most common health problem with gastric banding is mild to moderate band slippage without obstruction, according to the University of California Medical Center. Slippage can occur when the band becomes loose. Stretching of the upper stomach wall also causes the gastric band to migrate through the stomach. As a result, the size of the upper stomach pouch will enlarge. Other related complications of gastric banding may include erosion of the band.
Side Effects
Gastric banding doesn't work for everybody; also, it doesn't replace the long-term need for a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Some patients also require more surgery to relieve severe postoperative complications of gastric banding. Rapid weight loss can also lead to dehydration, fatigue and skin, hair and nail changes. Gastric banding may put patients at higher risk for complications with preexisting medical conditions like hiatus hernia, diabetes and physiological problems.
Stomach Problems
Stomach problems occur when the band causes a scar or erodes the stomach tissue. In severe instances, this may cause internal leakage of gastric contents and bleeding. The outlet of the stomach may also become obstructed as a result of scarring, which may lead to vomiting the contents of the stomach along with the inability to eat. Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as peptic ulcers, are another downside of gastric banding.
References
- University of California, Medical Center
- UK Health Centre: Gastric Banding or Lap Band Risks & Complications
- Columbia University Medical Center: Risks of Obesity Surgery
- KidsHealth: What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
- PubMed.gov: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: complications and side effects responsible for the poor long-term outcome; Gustavsson S, Westling A.; June 2002
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