How to Understand Lap Band Surgery Risks

Obesity is a significant health concern to a large fraction of the population. Luckily there are a range of medical procedures available that can help you lose weight. Lap Band surgery is one of the few that is completely reversible. As it is less invasive than other types of weight loss surgery, there are generally fewer risks associated with the Lap Band procedure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Assess the Risks of Lap Band Surgery

1. Assess the risks associated with obesity. Among the conditions that have been linked to obesity are a predisposition to heart disease and strokes. The health risks associated with obesity should be compared with risks of Lap Band surgery so that you can decide if the surgery is worth the risk.

2. Understand the importance of an experienced Lap Band surgeon. Patients with doctors who have more experience with the Lap Band procedure often have lower risks of complications from surgery. Working with an experienced Lap Band doctor can also ensure that the Lap Band is adjusted properly following surgery.

3. Learn the operative risks of Lap Band surgery. Like many other types of surgery, there is a risk of both infection and bleeding. Since Lap Band surgery is performed through small incisions, there is lower risk when compared to gastric bypass surgery.

4. Understand the post-operative risks associated with Lap Band surgery. Among the risks that can require additional surgery are leakage and slippage of the band.

5. Recognize the risks of deviating from the prescribed diet. Eating the wrong types of foods or reverting to poor eating habits can reduce the effectiveness of Lap Band surgery and cause discomfort.

6. Understand the importance of meeting with your doctor on a regular basis. Immediately following your surgery, these visits will ensure that you do not have a post-operative infection. They are also necessary to make sure you are losing weight at a healthy rate after Lap Band surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak with your physician if you are considering Lap Band surgery. He can discuss additional risks that you may face based on your medical history.
• In some cases, the Lap Band cannot be placed around the stomach using a laproscopic method. Doctors may need to perform open surgery, which can entail a longer recovery period.
• Vomiting is a common side effect following Lap Band surgery. It can indicate that you are attempting to eat more than your stomach can accommodate at its reduced size, and it is important to let your doctor know right away.
• Depending on the amount of weight that you lose following Lap Band surgery, you may need to speak with a plastic surgeon to remove excess skin.

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