Understanding Lap Band Surgery Risks and Complications

What are the Risks of Lap Band Surgery

Like all bariatric surgeries, LAP-BAND surgery comes with risks. In considering the risks and complications of Lap Band Surgery, it’s important to realize that weight loss surgery is an investment in your personal health.

In order to fully understand the risks, we need to focus on the two primary types of risks: risks associated with surgery in general and risks associated with the LAP-BAND system.

List of Bariatric Surgery Risks

Risks of surgery are dependent on the individuals undergoing surgery. The more healthier the patient is the fewer risks they face. But, for example if the patient is overweight or significantly overweight, they will be facing more risks.

Failure of Optimal Weight Loss: While most patients do lose adequate weight loss, there is always the risk that weight loss may not occur at the desired rate.

  • Death (freq: 0.3%)
  • Pulmonary Embolism (freq: 1%)
  • Gastrointestinal Tract Leak (freq: 1%)
  • Conversion to Open Procedure (freq: 0.5%)
  • Bowel Obstruction (freq: 1-3%)
  • Stricture (freq: 2%)
  • Bleeding (freq: 2%)
  • Ulcer (freq: 2%)
  • Gallstones (freq: 3%)
  • Infections
  • Protein Deficiency, Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
  • Too Much Weight Loss – Chronic Symptoms of Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain
  • Body Image – Emotional Loss – Depression
  • Nerve Problems
  • Low Blood Sugars (Hypoglycemia)
  • Kidney Failure
  • Kidney Stones
  • Complications from Anesthesia

List of LAP-BAND System Risks

Complications associated with the Lap Band System itself can also appear.  Lap Band implant can be a cause to minor and major risks.

  • LAP-Band Erosian, Slippage, Leakage
  • Esophagitis Inflammation, Irritation, or Swelling of the Esophagus
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
  • Port Complications: Displacement, Leakage and Infection
  • Stoma blockage
  • Stomach Complications: Pouch Enlargement, Slippage
  • Tubing Complications: Disconnection from port, Leakage

Questions to Ask your Bariatric Physician:

  • What is the risk of not losing adequate weight?
  • How many LAP-BAND procedures have you done?
  • Considering the risks involved, should I undergo Bariatric Surgery or try another weight loss option?