What are the dangers of the lap band?

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A gastric band creates a small pouch in the stomach that limits the amount of food that can be consumed. Gastric band surgery is considered safer than other bariatric procedures but still carries risks. Here you'll learn about the most common dangers of the lap band.

Stretching of the Pouch

One of the most common risks of the lap band procedure is that the pouch created in the stomach may get bigger, because of the band slipping or the walls of the stomach stretching.

Need for Additional Surgery

If the band slips or erodes, if the pouch is stretched or if the patient fails to achieve significant weight loss, additional surgeries may be needed. Any additional surgery carries some risk.

Stomach Upset

Other common complications of lap band surgery include various kinds of stomach upset, including nausea, acid reflux, stomach ulcers and vomiting.

Intestinal Issues

Intestinal issues, such as gas, bloating and constipation, may occur with gastric banding. In some cases there can be blockage of the outlet from the stomach to the intestine, or intestinal scarring that blocks the passage of food through the digestive tract.

General Surgery Risks

Gastric surgery carries the risks that come along with any kind of surgery, including an allergic reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, excessive blood loss, stroke and cardiac arrest.

Source:

UC San Diego Medical Center

Annals of Surgery

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What are the dangers of the lap band?

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