Long Term Complications of Gastric banding surgery


 

Long Term Side Effects and Complications

The overall reoperation rate for lap bands may be as high as 1 in 6 over ten years. Because it is a silicone foreign body place around a soft organ, there is a significant rate of slippage, erosion, and infection often requiring complete removal. Most patients will regain their weight once the band has been removed.

 

Vitamins

With the Band there is no vitamin or nutrient malabsorption. However because your food intake is significantly reduced you will need to take the following for as long as the band is in place and functional. Chewable vitamins may be better tolerated.

• Multivitamin

• Calcium PLUS vitamin D

Slippage

This is also known as prolapse and occurs in approximately 2-15% of people an average of 10mths after surgery. The exact cause is unknown but it may be related to significant vomiting after surgery. Encasing the band in a sleeve of stomach as shown in the diagram page 1, helps reduce the occurrence of prolapse. Symptoms typically include new onset reflux and difficulty swallowing foods you previously tolerated.

Pain is rare. The diagnosis is confirmed with an x-ray known as a barium swallow. Surgery is necessary to remove the band.

 Erosion

Band erosions into the stomach occur in up to 5% of patients. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin™ may increase his risk. Erosion generally present with failure of weight loss despite adjustments and good lifestyle habits. Endoscopy confirms the diagnosis and surgical correction is warranted.

Dilatation of the Esophagus

Long Term Complications of Gastric banding surgery includes Rapid and aggressive adjustments will lead to over-tightening and subsequent difficulty swallowing with possible dilatation of the esophagus. His can occur in up to 10% of patients. This is more likely to occur with band adjustments performed on the basis of radiological stoma size under fluoroscopy rather than on subjective patient satiety. Symptoms may include heartburn, lack of weight loss and loss of satiety.

Tubing and Port Complications

These include tubing breaks, leaks, kinks and disconnections. Port site infections and port site pain can also occur. Generally these are correctable with laproscopic surgery. Avoiding heavy exertion for 6 wks after surgery will allow adequate healing and fixation of the access port to the stomach muscle sheath.

Other Issues

Pregnancy

If you need to eat more during pregnancy the band can be loosened and tightened again after pregnancy. There may be an increased risk of slippage as the stomach is compressed by the pregnancy.

Other medical issues

If you develop and illness that requires to eat more or that causes vomiting the band can be loosened. If the band cannot be loosened enough, it may need to be removed.

Long Term Complications of Gastric banding surgery

Long Term Complications of Gastric banding surgery