The Risks and Side Effects of Gastric Banding

The Risks and Side Effects of

Gastric Banding

Gastric banding is a weight loss surgery technique that can help you lose weight fast. It involves the attachment of an adjustable silicon band on the upper part of your stomach, thereby limiting food intake. Just like any other operation, this medical procedure can have risks and complications, including infection, leakage, lap band failure and other possible minor side-effects that can often be managed.

Compared to other weight loss surgical procedures, gastric banding offers a less invasive and completely reversible procedure. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics website, an 800% growth in gastric reduction procedures over the past decade is associated with an increased uptake of gastric banding, which is “perceived as a relatively safe, effective and reversible procedure.”

Australian medical website Virtual Medical Centre reports a low rate of infections that can develop in the abdominal region following treatment and can push the silicon band into the stomach. This can occur when excessive fluids are administered into the lap band. Another possible cause of infection may be attributed to the improper injection of fluids, where the patient or a person other than the patient fills the band without first applying chlorhexidine spirit to the skin.

Another risk associated with gastric banding is leakage. Although it appears to be rare these days, there is still a possibility that the lap band may need to be replaced, even years after the operation. The materials that make up the silicon band are breakable and can result in leakage.

This medical procedure is designed to ensure that the lap band is properly inserted into the upper part of your gut. However, if the implant weakens over time, there is a risk that the band may collapse and fall into the stomach, resulting in dysfunction.

Some patients complain of nausea following the operation. In fact, patients can suffer pain and vomiting straight after food consumption. This can sometimes be easily corrected by slowing down your eating habits and becoming familiar with how your new stomach works. If you undergo the procedure, a medical professional should advise you on modifications you’ll need to make to your diet before and after the procedure. Generally, after the operation food intake is modified in terms of volume and solidity to allow for a patient’s recovery and minimise the likelihood of some complications.

Finally, patients can experience constipation following the procedure. This is because the body requires less food and the frequency of bowel motions is thereby reduced. Doctors sometimes prescribe laxatives to alleviate this symptom.

Many of the risks and complications of gastric banding are outside of your control however, the risk of some can be minimised by strict adherence to the advice of medical professional.

If excess weight is a problem for you and you have exhausted basic weight loss options, gastric banding is one of several surgical weight loss procedures available. Being overweight may not seem like a serious illness but it can be just as debilitating. If it’s time to do something about it, consult a medical professional today to discuss your options.