Risks and Complications

Talk to your doctor about all of the following risks and complications:

  • Ulceration
  • Gastritis (irritated stomach tissue)
  • Gas bloat
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation)
  • Heartburn
  • Gas bloat
  • Difficulty swallowing

There are also problems that can occur that are directly related to the Gastric Band:

Example of Band Slippage:

  • The band can spontaneously deflate because of leakage. That leakage can come from the band, the reservoir, or the tubing that connects them.
  • The band can slip
  • There can be stomach slippage
  • The stomach pouch can enlarge
  • The stoma (stomach outlet) can be blocked
  • The band can erode into the stomach

Obstruction of the stomach can be caused by:

  • Food or large pills
  • Swelling
  • Improper placement of the band
  • The band being over-inflated
  • Band or stomach slippage
  • Stomach pouch twisting
  • Stomach pouch enlargement

Example of a tight Band:

There have been some reports that the esophagus has stretched or dilated in some patients. This could be caused by:

  • Improper placement of the band
  • The band being tightened too much
  • Stoma obstruction
  • Binge eating
  • Excessive vomiting

Patients with a weaker esophagus may be more likely to have this problem. A weaker esophagus is one that is not good at pushing food through to your stomach. Tell your surgeon if you have difficulty swallowing for further evaluation.

Some patients have more nausea and vomiting than others. You should see your physician at once if vomiting persists.

Rapid weight loss may lead to symptoms of:

  • Malnutrition
  • Anemia
  • Related complications

Weight loss with the gastric banding system is typically slower and more gradual than with some other weight loss surgeries. Tightening the band too fast or too much to try to speed up weight loss should be avoided as the stomach pouch and/or esophagus can become enlarged as a result. You need to learn how to use your band as a tool that can help you reduce the amount you eat.

Infection is possible, and the band can erode into the stomach. This erosion can happen right after surgery or years later, although rare.

Complications can cause reduced weight loss, or can cause weight gain. Other complications can result that require more surgery to remove, reposition, or replace the band. If any complications occur, you may need to stay in the hospital longer. You may also need to return to the hospital later. Less serious complications can also occur and may have little effect on how long it takes you to recover from surgery.

If you have existing problems, such as diabetes, a large hiatal hernia (part of the stomach in the chest cavity), Barretts esophagus (severe, chronic inflammation of the lower esophagus), or emotional or psychological problems, you may have more complications. Your surgeon will consider how bad your symptoms are and if you are a good candidate for the Gastric Banding System surgery. If you’ve had surgery before in the same area, you may also have more risk of complications. Further, if the procedure is not done laparoscopically, by an experienced surgeon, you may be at an increased risk as well.

Anti-inflammatory drugs that may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, should be used with caution.

Some people need folate and vitamin B12 supplements to maintain normal homocycteine levels. Elevated homocycteine levels can increase risks to your heart and the risk of spinal birth defects.

You can develop gallstones after a rapid weight loss. This can make it necessary to remove your gallbladder.

There have been no reports of autoimmune disease with the use of the Gastric Band. It is important to note, however, that autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders have been reported after long-term implantation of other silicone devices. These problems can include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. At this time, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that supports a relationship between connective-tissue disorders and silicone implants. Long-term studies to further evaluate this possibility are still being done. You should know, though, that if autoimmune symptoms develop after the band is in place, you may need treatment. The band may also need to be removed. Talk with your surgeon about this possibility. Also, if you have symptoms of autoimmune disease now, the Gastric Band may not be right for you.

Learn More with Related Pages:
Gastric Band
Lap Band
Realize Band
After Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Band Educational Video