Benefits and Risks of Lapband Surgery

Lapband SurgeryAre you having trouble losing weight?  If so, you might be considering getting some form of weight loss surgery, like Gastric banding – or lapband surgery – as it is commonly known.  While lapband surgery is a less invasive surgery available for weight loss, it still has its risks.

Before you consider having this procedure, we recommend looking at both the positive and negative effects of this surgery.

To help you better see the pros and cons of this surgery, we have created the following lists to help you find out what you need to know about this well known weight loss procedure.

Benefits

  • It’s a reversible procedure that only requires the band to be removed for the stomach to return to normal size and function.
  • The stomach does not need to be cut open, stapled shut, or partially removed.
  • No issues with vitamin or nutrient deficiency because the intestines are not altered.
  • There are fewer mortality rates and severe complications as compared to other more invasive weight loss surgeries.
  • The hospital stay is short and the recovery time quicker than other surgeries.
  • The band can be adjusted and filled without the need for further surgery.
  • Lapband wearers see an improvement in overall health, including cholesterol, blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, and arthritis.
  • Women of child bearing age can get this procedure and not worry about vitamin and mineral deficiency during pregnancy.

Risks

  • The band can negatively impact a pregnancy, and women should consider deflation if morning sickness or other pains are present.
  • Weight loss is slower than with more invasive surgeries, but measures out to about the same amount lost after five years.
  • Patients commonly report regurgitation of swallowed food, either from a blocked area in the stomach or from eating too quickly.
  • Food must be chewed thoroughly, slowly, and only a small amount can be eaten at each meal.
  • The band can erode or slip, causing bleeding or puncturing of the stomach.
  • Bleeding or infection can occur at or around the band site.
  • Some patients fail to lose a noticeable amount of weight even after the surgery.

Deciding on Lapband Surgery

If a less invasive surgery is your ideal option, then a lapband surgery may be your best bet. As with any weight loss tactic, lapband surgery isn’t a cure-all, but more like an assistive measure which helps you lose weight. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of the lapband and other weight loss surgeries before making a decision.

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Comments

    • Carla
    • February 27, 2013
    Reply

    I know this is a less invasive weight surgery, but I know of a girl who died from it. Her doctor was adding more saline to the tube and either punctured the tube or one of her organs. She went home not knowing and felt kind of nausiated, and then she died. I prefer to lose my weight the old fashion way. Diet and exercise!

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