Lap Band surgery is relatively safe and is the least invasive type of bariatric surgery possible, but there are some risks and complications that can occur. No surgery is guaranteed one hundred percent safe from any complications or risks, and the Lap Band method is no exception. Many individuals may view this form of bariatric surgery as an easy weight loss method, but some of the complications and symptoms can be serious or even life threatening in certain circumstances. Knowing the symptoms of serious complications caused by Lap Band surgery can help save your life if you develop any of these medical problems.
One of the serious complications of Lap Band surgery is excessive or rapid weight loss that occurs too quickly to be safe. Malnutrition can cause this condition, and this is a lack of proper nutrition. If you start to see the weight just dropping off very rapidly then there could be a serious underlying complication that needs to be addressed. Malnutrition from a diet that is too restricted can result in the loss of your hair, organ damage or failure, and even death if the condition persists for an extended time. Your weight loss should be steady, and should occur at a safe pace. If you are concerned about how much weight you are losing you should discuss this with your doctor.
Vomiting may be another symptom of a serious complication after Lap Band surgery, and this can be caused by a number of different things. Sometimes overeating can cause vomiting, because the small pouch can not contain all of the food consumed. Vomiting can also be the result of the band slipping or the band not being placed properly. If these complications occur you will normally experience frequent vomiting, and you may notice that the contents contain some blood. If this happens contact your doctor immediately for medical advice.
Other serious complications that may happen when you have Lap Band surgery can include abdominal pain or cramping that may become severe, constipation which is severe or becomes chronic, or problems swallowing. Abdominal pain can be caused by a number of complications, including a perforated organ or other tissues as well as an infection. A poorly placed band may cause pain or constipation. Difficulty swallowing may indicate that your esophagus is inflamed, swollen, or irritated. All of these symptoms should be evaluated by your physician, to rule out any serious problems and treat both the symptoms and the underlying cause. If you are unsure whether a symptom is serious or not it is always better to check with the doctor, because any complications that are left untreated can become life threatening.