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Lap banding, also known as laparoscopic gastric banding, is a type of weight loss surgery. In lap banding, a silicone band is laparoscopically inserted around the stomach entrance. Lap band surgery got FDA approval in 2001. Although lap band process is reversible and hence considered a safer option, it is not for everyone. In this article, we will examine the risks of lap band.

 

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A review conducted by a team from the Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, on lap band surgery reveals that excess weight loss stood at 47.5% for gastric banding, 61.6% for gastric bypass, 68.2% for gastroplasty and 70.1% for duodenal switch. Therefore, patients who need to lose more weight might want to consider other bariatric surgeries.

A great deal of the safety and success of lap band surgery depends on thorough follow-up. Patients should be willing to follow a disciplined lifestyle including diet and exercise. Therefore, people considering low cost lap band abroad would do well to understand what the procedure involves before taking the decision. However, generally speaking, lap band surgery in Mexico or Costa Rica need not be a worrisome matter, if you choose the right hospital and surgeon. Weight loss surgeons in Mexico are well known for their expertise.

Factors that May Rule out Lap Band

If the patient has co-morbidities like severe heart and lung problems or is under 18 (Lap band surgery for teens is currently not approved by FDA), lap band may not be a good choice. Other contraindications include inflammatory conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, pregnancy, cirrhosis and alcohol/drug addiction.

Risks of Lap Band Surgery

Like other surgical procedures, lap band surgery has some risks. A patient considering lap band surgery has to consider these risks and have a detailed discussion with his/her doctor.

General Risks of Gastric Banding:

• Death can occur during the operation or because of it, in spite of adequate precautions. Advanced age, certain diseases like diabetes and medications can increase risks.
• Extreme obesity is a risk factor, like in all surgeries.
• Success of surgery also depends on how your body responds to foreign objects implanted in the body.
• Infections

Laparoscopic surgery (lap band or otherwise) by itself has some general risks. They are:

• Damage to the spleen/liver
• Damage to major blood vessels
• Blood clots
• Lung problems
• Wound rupture
• Accidental perforation of stomach or esophagus

If these occur, the surgeon might decide to ‘open’ the surgery site to complete the procedure.

Lap Band-specific Risks:

• Tear in the wall of the stomach (gastric perforation), which will necessitate another surgery
• Nausea/vomiting, regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea and difficulty in swallowing
• Slippage of the band and obstruction of the stomach-band outlet
• Erosion of the lap band into the stomach, immediately after the surgery or later
• Dumping syndrome, a common side-effect of weight loss surgeries (symptoms include bloated feeling, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, sweating and palpitations) is not generally observed after lap band surgery. However, it may occur in rare cases.
• To avoid vomiting (emesis often accompanies lap band surgery), many people resort to high-calorie semi-liquid diet. This can lead to regaining of lost weight.
• Malnutrition, anemia and depletion of vitamins. There is more chance of this happening if the weight loss is rapid.
• Blockage/Swelling of the port site
• Incorrect positioning of the band, leading to stretching of the esophagus
• Excessive inflation of the band
• Enlargement or twisting of the stomach pouch

Other less common side-effects of Lap Band include:

• Inflammation of the esophagus
• Inflammation of stomach, a hernia-like situation where some part of the stomach slips above the diaphragm
• Inflammation of pancreas
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Flatulence
• Irregular/abnormal stools
• Stomach upsets
• Belching
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Painful periods
• Pain in the port site

Lap Band Risks Compared to Risks of Other Forms of Bariatric Surgery

The study by the Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota  puts operative mortality (death within 30 days of surgery) at 1 out of thousand (0.1%) for purely restrictive procedures like gastric banding, 5 out of thousand (0.5%) for gastric bypass and 11 out of thousand (1.1%) for duodenal switch.

Why Follow-up is Crucial for Lap Band

Post-surgery care and follow-up are essential for the success of lap band surgery. Not only must the patient be ready to follow the prescribed diet and exercise habits, but regular visits to the lap band surgeon and other health care experts including dietician are necessary too. The surgeon will make periodic adjustments to the band so it makes the correct fit. If you are lacking in essential nutrition, you will need to make changes accordingly. These measures will help to minimize side effects, detect serious problems if there are any and optimize your weight loss.

Some people regard lap band surgery as a less drastic measure compared to gastric bypass surgery, where mortality rates are said to be 1 out of 200. On the other hand, we saw that weight loss rates are lower for lap bands, compared to gastric bypass and other bariatric surgeries. Consider lap band only as a tool in implementing more discipline in your eating habits.

Patients considering lap band in Mexico and other overseas destinations must evaluate all lap band risks mentioned here and assess follow-up arrangements before making a decision.

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