Many bariatricians consider bariatric surgery a safe surgery compared to other elective surgeries.  Although it is safe surgery, many possible risks and complications need to be examined and researched thoroughly and critically.  Bariatric surgery is a surgery that requires adequate preparation physically and mentally for long term success.  You must be ready for the lifestyle changes you will need to undergo surgery to remain effective.

The changes you will need to sustain are a well-balanced protein-focused diet and regular exercise.  The lap band surgery can treat your obesity in the short term, but it is not a magic cure.  The lap band surgery is reversible through the removal of your lap band.

Lap Band Surgery Facts

Due to the rise of obesity in the U.S., there is a significant increase in weight-loss surgeries.  The gastric lap band surgery is a weight loss surgery first performed in 2001.  It was frequently used to treat obesity and sustain weight loss.  The adjustable gastric banding is a safe, effective, and less invasive procedure compared to other popular weight-loss surgeries.

The mortality rate from Lap Band surgery is 1 in 2,000, making it relatively safe.  Other risks from surgery include infections, bleeding, slippage, erosions, and abdominal pain.  You may also have issues with your Lab Band due to a mechanical malfunction.

The surgery is performed by using inch-long incisions to place an adjustable band around the upper portion of your stomach.  This band is made of silicone and can be tightened by adding saline to fill the band.  This is similar to blowing air into a doughnut-shaped balloon.  Your band is then connected to a port that is placed under your abdominal skin.  This port allows the saline to enter and leave your band.  Your band is adjustable and, if necessary, removable.

How Do You Lose Weight?

Your lap band works by controlling your hunger and portion sizes of food.  Having the band on the upper portion of your stomach tells your brain you are full.

You may also make adjustments to your lap band if you are not losing weight or feel uncomfortable. Lap Band adjustments are quick, simple, and painless.

Gastric Lap Band Risks & Complications

Unlike other bariatric surgeries, the Lap Band surgery introduces a foreign object into your body. Long term complications are high with this surgery.  Over one-third of patients experience at least one difficulty after surgery.

Common Risks

• Band Erosion occurs in 2-9% of patients where your band erodes into the inside portion of your stomach.  You will find yourself feeling hungry because the band will not restrict the size of your stomach well.  This complication can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
• Band Intolerance occurs in 6.9% of patients whose bodies do not respond well to the Lap Band.  You will experience progressive nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux that will only stop once the Lap Band is removed.
• Band infection occurs in 1-4% of patients because the band can become infected and will have to be removed.
• Lap Band Slippage occurs in 1-22% of patients where your band slips out of its correct place, usually lower on your stomach. This risk can never be eliminated. Even when it is corrected, over half of the patients experience a reoccurrence.
• Esophageal Dilation occurs in 14% of patients where your esophagus becomes enlarged.  This happens when your esophagus loses its ability to swallow food properly, leading to difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and heartburn.
• Port Problems occur in 20% of patients whose port becomes loose, and only surgical removal will fix the problem.

Common Complications

• GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a common complication where your stomach creates more pressure and gastric acid.
• Band Prolapse occurs when the bottom portion of your stomach slips upward through your Lap Band.
• Stomach Necrosis occurs when part of your stomach begins to die because the band slipped and strangulates your stomach. You will become critically ill if this is not treated immediately.
• Constipation occurs due to not drinking enough water throughout the day.  This is a common side effect of many bariatric patients when adjusting to your new drinking routine.

Overall Thoughts on Lap Band Surgery

Those who are pro Lap Band surgery typically believe this due to the minimally invasive nature of this surgery and due to its small incisions.  This operation can also be reversible, unlike the gastric sleeve, which permanently removes your stomach; or gastric bypass, which permanently reroutes your digestive system. This is also a proven surgically safe procedure with a 0.1% mortality rate.  The surgery is also proven effective in treating obesity by reducing excessive weight by over 30%.

For the most part, this is a safe operation.

Even though this operation is considered safe for patients to undergo, many post-surgery risks and complications make this a less favorable weight loss surgery.

The gastric lap banding surgery is not performed as often as it used to be. Only 5% of bariatric surgeons will perform this surgery.

My Thoughts

This surgery was not recommended to me by my bariatric health care team.  This surgery was not even offered at my clinic due to the many adverse health side effects.  I was given two weight-loss surgical options, either the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.

Both of these are irreversible surgeries, and both have a high success rate of treating obesity.  You can lose upwards of 60% of your excess weight with the gastric sleeve and 65% with the gastric bypass.

I chose to have the gastric sleeve operation due to my current health state and age. After researching the gastric lap band, I would not recommend this surgery to a patient considering bariatric surgery.

There is enough data not to support this surgery, given a large number of complications.

The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass have a better record of treating obesity effectively.

Bariatric surgery is a serious lifestyle change, and putting your health in more danger than necessary would not be recommended when you have already struggled so much in your past.  Because bariatric surgery is a helpful tool,  why not choose the best means possible for you to use.