Gastric band surgery is a form of stomach-stapling surgery in which the stomach is divided into two pouches. The band is used to create a pouch that will serve as the new stomach, which can hold only small amounts of food. Patients will begin to feel full after eating small amounts of food and will be unable to eat more without vomiting. As a result, weight loss is made easier.
Side Effects
The gastric band itself is a silicone product with no known side effects, according to The British Obesity Surgery Patient Association. However, the band may need to be replaced eventually as it wears out over time, in order to preserve the separation of the new pouch stomach from the stomach as a whole. However, although the band itself does not have side effects, there are some potential risks and side effects to the surgery itself.
Side Effects of the Smaller Stomach
The purpose of the gastric band is to create a smaller stomach. Only approximately 2 tablespoons of food fit in the stomach at one time. As a result, if you attempt to eat too much immediately after the surgery, vomiting will occur. While this is a normal and desired result of the surgery, it can be difficult to learn to cope with and manage eating smaller meals, and it can cause discomfort as you learn to become comfortable with your gastric band. Eventually, if you do not change your eating habits and continue to eat too much, your stomach will stretch again and your gastric band will not prove effective at keeping your weight within a healthy level.
Infection
The new pouch or stomach that is created by the gastric band is usually connected to the original stomach by tubing or a small port. In some cases, this port can become infected. If this occurs, antibiotics may be required to treat the infection. If the infection is resistant to antibiotics, surgery may need to be performed to remove the band.
Other Potential Side Effects as a Result of the Band
Some patients with a gastric band experience bleeding ulcers or gallstones as a result. In some rare instances, a potentially fatal condition can arise if stomach juices leak and enter the abdomen itself.
Other Risks
There are risks associated with any surgery, including blood clots and stroke. These risks are exacerbated in obese or overweight patients. Furthermore, there are specific risks associated with the band itself. The band may slip or erode causing the stomach to once again become larger. If this occurs, the band will need to be adjusted or replaced.
