Laparoscopic gastric banding, also known as lap band surgery, is a type of weight loss surgery. This procedure, which uses a surgically implanted band to restrict the stomach's volume, limits the amount of food that patients can eat and has some distinct down sides.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Patients who receive a lap band or have other weight loss surgical procedures have an increased risk of developing vitamin deficiencies as a result of their newly altered diets, the National Anemia Action Council explains. Patients must take steps to avoid becoming malnourished and developing iron, vitamin B12 or other vitamin deficiencies, which can lead to anemia or other health problems.
Adjustments
Lap band surgery often requires additional adjustments once the patient has had the surgery, Bariatric Surgery Specialists notes. These adjustments are needed to make sure that the band fits properly and can require multiple follow-up visits to a surgeon.
Complications
After the patient has recovered from lap band surgery, there are still many complications that may occur. These include slipping or spontaneous deflation of the band, which can cause severe abdominal pain and nausea. The band may also erode the wall of the stomach or completely block the stomach, the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery reports.
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