Questions about Potential Side Effects,
Risks & Complications

Q: What are the risks and complications involved with the Lap-Band® procedure?

A: Any gastric operation for obesity is major surgery and carries with it the risks associated with any complex operation. And although the Lap-Band® procedure is minimally invasive surgery, it is not without its own risks (laparoscopic surgery risks include: spleen or liver damage, damage to major blood vessels, lung problems, blood clots, rupture of the wound, esophagus/stomach perforation).

In rare cases, the Lap-Band® surgery cannot be performed using the less invasive laparoscopic approach. For example, if unforeseen problems arise while attempting to position the band, surgeons may have to switch to an open method. In addition, there can be serious complications that may warrant the removal of the Lap-Band® including:

• - Slippage of additional stomach tissue under the band

• - Erosion of the band into the stomach

• - Infection and/or breakage of the injection port (rare)

• - Gastric symptoms

While removal of the band can often be done laparoscopically, in some cases it may require open surgery. Serious problems such as peritonitis, infection, leaks, and long-term nutrition problems such as iron and vitamin deficiencies that are seen with gastric bypass surgery do not occur with the Lap-Band®. Re-operation rates for gastric bypass are significantly higher due to leaks, bowel blockages, outlet scarring, ulcers, and bleeding.

Q: Does the Lap-Band® limit any physical activity?

A: The Lap-Band® does not hamper physical activity including aerobics, stretching and strenuous exercise.

Q: How is the band adjusted?

A: Adjustments are frequently done with x-ray. They are done with x-ray so that the access port can be clearly seen. Sometimes adjustments can be done in an office, and local anesthesia will not be needed. A fine needle is passed through the skin into the access port to add or subtract saline. The process most often takes only a few minutes and most patients say it is painless.

Q: Do I have to be careful with the access port just underneath my skin?

A: There are no restrictions based on the access port. It is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, and once the incisions have healed it should not cause discomfort or limit any physical exercise. The only sensation you may experience from the port occurs when you go in for adjustments. If you feel persistent discomfort in the port area, talk to your doctor.

Q: Can the band be removed?

A: Although the Lap-Band® System is not meant to be removed, it can be, in some cases laparoscopically. Surgeons report that the stomach generally returns to its original shape once the band is removed. After the removal, though, you may soon go back up to your original weight. You may also gain more.

Q: Will I need plastic surgery for the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?

A: That is not always the case. As a rule, plastic surgery will not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation as, sometimes the skin will mold itself around the new body tissue. Give the skin the time it needs to adjust before you decide to have more surgery. The slower weight loss associated with the Lap-Band® makes skin removal less likely to be needed than with the gastric bypass.

Q: What if I go out to eat?

A: Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly. Finish at the same time as your table companions. You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much.

Q: Can I eat anything in moderation?

A: After your stomach has healed, you may eat most foods that don’t cause you discomfort. However, because you can only eat a little it is important to include foods full of important vitamins and nutrients, as advised by your surgeon and/or dietitian. If you eat foods that contain lots of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of “empty” calories, such as milkshakes, the effect of the Lap-Band may be greatly reduced or even cancelled.

Q: What is the mortality rate for the Lap-Band® procedure?

A: The mortality rate is extremely low for Lap-Band® surgery, less than 0.1%.

Q: Will I need to have a blood transfusion during surgery?

A: No, most of the time blood loss is minimal.