What is the lap band intervention?
A laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, commonly referred to as a lap band, is an inflatable silicone device placed around the top portion of the stomach to treat obesity by reducing the amount of food consumed.
Adjustable gastric band surgery is an example of bariatric surgery designed for obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater—or between 35 and 40 in cases of patients with certain comorbidities that are known to improve with weight loss, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, osteoarthritis, GERD, Hypertension (high blood pressure), or metabolic syndrome, among others.
Risks Associated With Lap Band Surgery
A laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, commonly referred to as a lap band, is an inflatable silicone device placed around the top portion of the stomach to treat obesity by reducing the amount of food consumed.
Adjustable gastric band surgery is an example of bariatric surgery designed for obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater—or between 35 and 40 in cases of patients with certain comorbidities that are known to improve with weight loss, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, osteoarthritis, GERD, Hypertension (high blood pressure), or metabolic syndrome, among others.
Risks Associated With Lap Band Surgery
Source: Lapsurg Obesity Surgery Centre
As all surgical procedures, the lap band has it's risks. Aside from general risks associated with surgery, these should also be considered:
Infection: This may develop in the port area following surgery and early treatment is usually just a dose of antibiotics. If necessary, the wound may require dressing and will be opened slightly to allow for drainage. In very few cases, the port will be removed for 3 months.
Band Slippage: This is when the band slips out of position, causing the upper pouch to dialate. An x-ray will confirm the slippage and re-operation is necessary to remove or reposition the band.
Band Erosion:This is when the band erodes or migrates inside the stomach wall. An endoscopy may confirm this and the band will need to be removed. It is unlikey you will have a second lap band inserted; another weight loss procedure should be considered if necessary.
Infection: This may develop in the port area following surgery and early treatment is usually just a dose of antibiotics. If necessary, the wound may require dressing and will be opened slightly to allow for drainage. In very few cases, the port will be removed for 3 months.
Band Slippage: This is when the band slips out of position, causing the upper pouch to dialate. An x-ray will confirm the slippage and re-operation is necessary to remove or reposition the band.
Band Erosion:This is when the band erodes or migrates inside the stomach wall. An endoscopy may confirm this and the band will need to be removed. It is unlikey you will have a second lap band inserted; another weight loss procedure should be considered if necessary.