For more information on LAP-BAND® System surgery, contact our practice serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and surrounding areas.
Laparoscopy Bariatric Center
at Syosset Hospital, the Center for Surgical Specialties, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System.
221 Jericho Turnpike
Syosset, NY 11791
(516) 714-5431
LAP-BAND® System Risks and Benefits – Info from Our Surgery Center Serving New York / Connecticut / New Jersey
Through LAP-BAND® System surgery, morbidly obese patients can lose weight and improve their overall health. Along with the many benefits that can result from this innovative treatment, it's also important to note that, as with all surgical procedures, there are some risks. Dr. Alan Geiss and Dr. Colin Powers want our patients to be fully educated and aware of all aspects of the LAP-BAND® System, and encourage surgery candidates to contact our Laparoscopy Bariatric Center serving New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, and surrounding areas for more information.
Benefits of LAP-BAND® System Surgery
Obese patients can benefit from LAP-BAND® System surgery in a variety of ways, particularly when it comes to improved health. The procedure itself is preferable to other types of bariatric surgeries and treatments designed to achieve massive weight-loss: the risk of mortality is lower, as is the possibility of nutritional deficiencies or hair loss. Other benefits of surgery with the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band include:
- No re-routing of the intestines
- No invasive cutting or stapling of the stomach or bowels
- Reduced recovery time
- Reduced pain and minimal scarring
- Weight loss of up to two pounds per week for a year following surgery
- Better overall health
- Adjustments of the band can be made without additional surgery
- System is removable at any time with stomach typically able to return to original form and function
- Patients can still become pregnant
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery is an FDA-approved procedure designed to not only help morbidly obese patients lose weight and better-control their appetites, but also to help combat the health risks posed by being substantially overweight. This treatment has helped thousands of patients around the world fight morbid obesity. To learn more about the innovative LAP-BAND® System, contact our Laparoscopy Bariatric Center in the New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York area.
Risks of LAP-BAND® System Surgery
Although LAP-BAND® System surgery involves fewer risks than other forms of bariatric surgery, there is still the possibility that complications can arise. One of the more common risks involves a change in the size of the stomach pouch after surgery. In some cases, the pouch can become enlarged due to excessive stretching or slippage of the band around the upper stomach. Other risks include:
- Band erosion into the stomach
- Band leakage
- Dehydration
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ulceration
- Nausea
- Infection
- Gastritis
- Constipation
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Blockage of the stomach outlet
- Reflux/Vomiting
- In extremely rare cases, death
Also, infections can occur at the port site (an area under the abdominal skin where a tube connects to the band for easy adjustment should it become necessary). A number of complications associated with LAP-BAND® System surgery are often caused by a patient’s improper diet and eating habits following the procedure. During an initial consultation, one of our physicians will thoroughly discuss all aspects of the surgery, including candidacy for the LAP-BAND® System and recovery following surgery.