Side Effects of Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgery is for people who are at least 100 pounds overweight. With a minute incision, a doctor places a band around the upper stomach, significantly reducing its size and function and creating a smaller pouch for food. The band is tightened or loosened by an attached balloon, which in turn is connected to a port under the skin in the stomach wall. Adjusting the band allows patients to lose weight continuously until their goals are met. Although this procedure is effective for many, it is not without side effects.

Vomiting

• When patients eat more food than their smaller pouches can hold, or have eaten or drunk something too quickly, vomiting can occur.

Difficulty Swallowing

• The pressure of the band can affect the esophagus, which is allows food, drinks and medication to pass through to the stomach. As a result, some lap band patients may experience difficulty swallowing.

Insomnia

• Sleeping problems are common for lap band patients, due to the uncomfortable feeling of the port located under the skin in the wall of the stomach.

Dehydration

• All food and liquids must be taken in at smaller amounts and more frequently through the day. If they are not aware of how much water they are drinking, patients can be become easily dehydrated.

Gas

• Gas is another common problem. Many people who have the band tend to spend more time swallowing food than they do chewing it. As a result, they take in more air, which causes bloating and gas.