What Are the Dangers of a Gastric Band?
Gastric bands and adjustable gastric bands cause weight loss by limiting food intake. According to the NYU School of Medicine, the weight loss resulting from gastric band surgery increases longevity and improves quality of life, but approximately 15% of patients need additional surgery to correct problems caused by the gastric band.
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Features
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The surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a flexible surgical instrument (laparascope). The gastric band passes through another small incision and fits around the stomach to decrease its size and limit food intake.
Considerations
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Rapid weight loss is common during the first two years after surgery, then slows. Weight returns if lifestyle and dietary changes are not permanent.
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Obstruction
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According to the NYU School of Medicine, an obstruction develops if the stomach slips under the band. Your surgeon may need to reposition or remove the band, requiring another surgery.
Complications
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You may experience vomiting, diarrhea and foul-smelling stools. You may develop gallstones, requiring removal of your gallbladder. The band can also migrate through the stomach wall, requiring removal of the band.
Nutrition
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Eating enough protein may be difficult, and you can develop vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium and iron deficiencies. The doctor may prescribe supplements if you cannot absorb enough nutrients after gastric band surgery.
Warning
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Nutritional deficiencies can cause chronic nerve pain and hair loss. Contact your doctor if you experience unusual pain in your arms and legs, dizziness or thinning hair.
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