Signs of Lap Band Slipage

Lap band procedures are a method of weight loss surgery in which your stomach is tied off with a band. The band makes the stomach smaller so that you eat less, helping you lose weight. Unfortunately, lap bands can have risks. One less common, but more serious risk is lap band slippage. When the stomach slips through the lap band it can either move forward or backward, changing the size of the stomach.

Decreased Appetite

• When the stomach becomes smaller, your appetite will decrease. Since there is less room for food, you will not want as much. It is important to be aware of the amount of food you are consuming to ensure that you are getting the appropriate nutrition. Decreased appetite could be a sign of some other medical condition; however, you should contact your physician if you experience it for an extended period of time.

Reflux

• Reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when the opening of the esophagus does not close completely, or opens unexpectedly allowing the acid and other stomach contents to rise back up into the esophagus. When the acid enters the esophagus it causes a burning feeling. When the band moves, it causes there to be less room in the stomach. When you eat your normal amount of food, there is not enough room for it and it is forced back up.

Nausea

• Nausea is the feeling of disquiet and discomfort in your stomach combined with the feeling that you will vomit soon, which is often associated with the feeling of vomit in the back of your throat. There are many reasons you may experience nausea that have nothing to do with the slipping of a lap band. However, it is an important sign to be aware of since it could be indicative of a more serious problem.

Vomiting

• Vomiting occurs when your body tries to violently expel its contents through contractions of the diaphragm and contracting stomach muscles. In the case of a slipped lap band, this occurs due to the smaller stomach space. If your body is not telling you that you are full because of the lesser stomach space, you may overeat. When this occurs and there is no more room for the food, your body will try to expel it through vomiting.