Gastric banding is a common type of weight loss surgery. It is usually less complicated and risky than bypass surgery, but there are some risks to consider. Below are some of the most common side effects of the procedure.
Side effects such as nausea are quite common, and many patients experience some vomiting (especially if the stomach is obstructed). In very rare cases, internal organs can be damaged by either the procedure or the band.
Some complications are experienced by the majority of patients. Acid reflux and constipation are quite common, as is dehydration which can lead to fatigue. In many cases, the side effects aren’t severe enough to require medical attention.
In rare cases, Woodlands Gastric Banding side effects can be more serious. Regurgitation is common, but prolonged vomiting can be a sign of a dangerous condition. Gastric band recipients are almost always told to eat less at each meal, to eat slowly and to chew their food thoroughly. Some patients regurgitate everything, no matter how thoroughly chewed, and in those cases a feeding tube will be required. Such serious complications are usually due to the band being too tight.
Upper-stomach obstructions are known to happen after a gastric banding procedure. These happen when food is lodged in the opening created by the band; severe obstructions require another surgery or even band removal.
The most dangerous complication of Woodlands Gastric Banding is internal organ damage. The intestines, stomach and esophagus usually bear the brunt of the damage, which can occur during band placement. If not treated right away, internal bleeding or peritonitis (bacterial infection as a result of bodily waste leakage) can prove fatal.
The gastric band itself can cause complications in some patients. The band can slip out of place, which will result in weight gain; it would need to be removed or replaced. Rarely, the band can erode the stomach wall, causing stomach contents to seep into the abdominal cavity. Gastric banding is only for those whose lives are threatened or severely impacted by their weight, and the complications from the procedure can be as dangerous as obesity itself.
