Risks of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Procedure
• Migration of implant (band erosion, band slippage, port displacement)
• Tubing-related complications (port disconnection, tubing kinking)
• Band leak
• Band or Port-site infection
• Esophageal spasm
• Gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD)
• Inflammation of the esophagus or stomach
Your weight, age and medical history play a significant role in determining your specific risks. Dr. King can inform you about your specific risks for bariatric surgery. Risks are associated with any type of surgery and are greater for individuals who suffer from obesity.
Risks Associated with the Sleeve Gastrectomy
- The risk is slightly higher than the risk with the Realize Band™ or LAP-BAND®.
- Since the Sleeve Gastrectomy incorporates stapling of the stomach, there is possibility of a leak at the staple line (<0.5 - 1% ).
- Sleeve Gastrectomy is not adjustable like the Realize Band or LAP-BAND.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy is not reversible like the Realize Band or LAP-BAND.
- Although the existing data indicates long term weight loss success of Sleeve Gastrectomy, we do not have studies out longer than five years.
Risks associated with the Gastric Bypass
- As with any invasive procedure, there are certain risks and potential complications involved with surgical weight reduction. An obese individual is at higher risk than a non-obese individual. Some of the risks associated with any surgery would be, but not limited to stroke, heart attack, infection, bleeding, blood clots, pneumonia, pulmonary emobolus and even death.
- Splenic tears (due to the anatomical location of the spleen to the upper end of the stomach) may result in surgical removal of the spleen. This occurs in less than 1% of the patients.
- Stomach perforation or leakage at the staple line or “hook-up” between the stomach and upper small intestine occurs in less than 1% of the patients. This is a serious complication and may require immediate re-operation to repair the leak or tear. One main cause for this life-threatening complication is the failure of patient compliance with fluid and dietary restriction instructions following surgery.
- As in any major surgery, transient hair loss is experienced by some patients but generally improves with an increase in dietary protein.
- Because the duodenum is bypassed, poor absorption of iron and calcium can result in deficiencies. This is offset by taking oral supplements.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevented with a monthly Vitamin B12 injection.
- Patient noncompliance of prescribed fluid, diet and/or supplements, and/or the inability to maintain the prescribed diet and supplements may lead to neuropathy, which may not be reversible.
General Risks Associated with any Abdominal Surgery
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Pneumonia
• Complications due to anesthesia and medications
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) and pulmonary embolism
• Injury to the stomach, esophagus, or surrounding organs
• Infection
• Pulmonary embolism
• Stroke or heart attack
• Death
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AFOREMENTIONED RISKS/COMPLICATIONS ARE NOT INCLUSIVE. YOU SHOULD FURTHER DISCUSS ASSOCIATED RISKS/COMPLICATIONS WITH DR. KING.