Risks With Lap-Band Surgery

Lap-band surgery is one method to try to achieve weight loss. A lap band is placed around the stomach to create a smaller pouch, allowing the patient to feel fuller after eating. A recent U.S. study, however, found that 88 percent of the 299 patients in the study had some side effects related to the surgery. Some side effects can be life-threatening or require additional surgery.

Blood Clots

• Patient may develop blood clots due to the anesthesia or the surgery. Blood clots can be life-threatening or fatal.

Slippage

• In some cases, the lap band slips from its location, and this can cause nausea, vomiting and a limited ability or inability to take in food or liquids. The stomach may also lose its blood supply.

Infection

• An infection can develop around the lap band or at the port site, which is where the doctor can add or remove saline solution to tighten or loosen the lap band. Infection in these areas may require additional surgery.

Gastric Perforation

• A tear in the stomach wall, which U.S. studies indicate happens in about 1 percent of patients, may result in additional surgery to repair the tear.

Rejection

• Although rare, the possibility does exist that a patient's body will reject the lap band. This is why follow visits to your doctor are critical to check for any issues related to the surgery.