A study published in the "Journal of The American Medical Association" reports that obesity rates in 2008 among American women was 35.5 percent and men was 32.2 percent. The Lap Band procedure, a bariatric (meaning weight loss) surgery, aims to help morbidly obese patients lose weight and keep that weight off. This procedure is performed by inserting a device called a Lap Band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch that becomes the stomach and making the patient feel full quickly. The inside of the Lap Band has a balloon that can be inflated or deflated to control the size of the opening and regulate the emptying of the stomach. Although this surgery is minimally invasive, there are still risks involved.
Infection
As with any surgical procedure, infection is a risk. The Lap Band procedure is performed through a small abdominal incision that reduces the risk of infection over traditional "open" abdominal surgeries. However, if infection does occur it can be treated by removing the Lap Band and administering antibiotics. Signs of infection include fever, abdominal pain and an abscess around the access port.
Band Erosion
There is a risk of the Lab Band eroding into the stomach. The Medical University of South Carolina provides information on this risk, stating that it may happen right after surgery or years later, but that this occurs in only 1.3 percent of patients. If the band does erode into the stomach it needs to be removed during another surgery.
Band Movement
The most common problem, according to the University of California San Diego Medical Center, is the band slipping or moving. It is therefore important to maintain follow-up visits with your health care provider. If the band changes placement, the new stomach pouch created by the band may change sizes. If it becomes smaller it may cause you to feel ill after meals.
Band Leakage
The balloon portion of the Lap Band adjusts the opening of the stomach to help control the rate at which the stomach empties to the rest of the gastrointestinal system. The balloon is inflated by injecting a sterile saline solution through the access port. Leaks in the Lap Band can occur due to a variety of factors and cause the band to not function properly.
During surgery the band may be accidentally punctured by a needle. The tube that connects the band to the access port may break or fracture over time due to stress from movement. The tube may also become punctured accidentally while the band is being adjusted during an office visit. Lastly, the membrane around the access port may begin to leak. This usually occurs in patients who have undergone many adjustments and can be prevented by using the recommended needles to perform the adjustments.
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