Gastric Banding - The Risks

Gastric band surgery is a safe procedure and one that has been performed on numerous people all around the world.  However, all forms of surgery come with a small amount of risk and it is as well to be aware of these.  The risks are:

• Slipping (band).  The band can slip but this usually due to an increase in size of the stomach pouch; usually due to too much food being consumed, or too quickly.  This causes the stomach to stretch and more of it sits above the band. Vomiting can also cause the band to slip.
• Infection. 
• Bleeding
• Leaking from the band.  The band can for no reason leak which will cause it to deflate.
• Reflux.  This is a condition where the contents of the stomach rise up towards the mouth via the oesophagus.
• Reaction to anaesthesia.  Anaesthesia is very safe but a tiny percentage of people can react to it.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).  A condition in which a blood clot may develop in the leg due to inactivity.  It can be fatal if it travels through the bloodstream and enters the lungs.
• Pulmonary Embolus.  This is a condition in which blood clots develop in the lungs. 
• Erosion of the band.  This is very rare.  The band somehow works its way through the wall of the stomach (the wall ‘erodes') and ends up within the stomach itself.
• Problems with the Access Port/Tubing.  Again, this is very rare.  The tubing may break or be punctured by the needle during a fill or adjustment.

If you wish to know more, visit our FAQs section to view some of the most commonly asked questions by people about gastric banding.

1. Gastric Band Surgery
2. LAP-BAND AP system - Gastric Banding
3. How does the operation work
4. Realize system - Gastric Banding
5. Easyband system - Gastric Band Surgery
6. After the procedure - Gastric Band Surgery
7. The benefits - Gastric Band Surgery
8. The Risks - Gastric Band Surgery