Consequences of Overfilled Lap Banding

Lap-band surgery carries with it a unique set of risks. This is a type of major surgery that is performed for weight loss in morbidly obese people. Qualification for lap banding is strict: Body-mass index must be at least 35 when other risk factors are present or at least 40 in the absence of additional health risk factors, according the Lap band maker Allergan. When the lap band is placed in the body, it is inflated with a saline formula that reduces stomach capacity and therefore causes weight loss. While not common, lap bands can be overfilled with saline, causing complications for the patient.

Prolapse

• Lap-band slippage, also referred to as prolapse, may occur as a result of lap-band overfilling. The lap band can slide out of its original position until it is causing an obstruction in the lower stomach. In severe cases, the entire stomach can be obstructed and serious damage to the inner stomach may occur. To resolve a prolapsed lap banding, it is typically necessary to drain the saline from the lap band and allow the stomach to return to normal. Surgical intervention may be necessary in serious cases.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

• Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, is a side effect that occurred in about 34 percent of lap band patients in a United States one clinical study, reports its manufacturer, Allergan. When the band is overly full, food cannot pass into the stomach normally, which causes the food to rise back up the esophagus or into the mouth. This typically manifests itself as a burning feeling in the breastbone area and may be resolved with the use of antacids or prescription medicines. In some cases, some saline might be drained from the band to resolve the issue.

Vomiting

• Vomiting is a common side effect of lap banding, with 51 percent of patients experiencing this problem in the Allergan study. An overfilled lap band may result in a higher risk for vomiting. When the stomach has an obstruction, such as an overfilled lap band, food will be unable to travel through the stomach normally and may be rejected by the stomach due to the overly tight lap band. This causes acid reflux as well as vomiting. To resolve issues with vomiting, doctor and patient may jointly decide to reduce the amount of saline in the band to allow easier digestion.