What Are the Downfalls of Lap Band?

A Lap-Band procedure involves placing a plastic band around a part of the stomach to curb eating. This procedure can often be done through a small incision in the abdomen and may be removed. There are many health benefits but also some risk of complications that you should be aware of before committing to this procedure.

Rate of Complications

• According to the makers of the Lap-Band System in one U.S.-based study, 88 percent percent of the patients reported having mild to severe complications. The most common complication was nausea and vomiting.

Stomach Problems

• The most common complaints associated with the Lap-Band procedure are stomach upset or intestinal problems. These range from vomiting and reflux to constipation and diarrhea.

Infection

• As with any surgery, there is a possibility of infection. The incision site or abdominal cavity may become infected after surgery.

Band Slippage

• The band may slip and block areas in the stomach that it shouldn't or slip off completely. If this occurs, another surgery will be required to replace or remove the band.

Death

• Since this is a surgery done under anesthesia, there is a slight risk of death. This is a rare event and usually caused by a reaction to the anesthesia.