Common Lap Band Failures
Lap band failures that have been reported include complications of infection, leakage from the inflatable silicone ring, band slippage, stoma (small bowel) obstruction, band erosion, and pouch dilatation.
In this particular study, (71%) developed a significant esophageal dilatation (increased esophageal diameter) resulting in (72%) of these developing symptoms related to including prominent dysphagia (swallowing disorder), vomiting, or severe reflux.
After effects include:
- Vomiting episodes more than once a day.
- Band-induced gastro-oesophageal reflux which may facilitate the development of distal oesophageal cancer.
- Permanent irreversible damage to oesophageal motility (difficulty swallowing or spasm).
The lap band is the common name for Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding (LASGB), a relatively new minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of morbid obesity.
In general this particular study showed only a low number of successful weight loss (18%) whereas (41%) had the Lap Band removed.
New Dietary Requirements with the Lap Band
In the case where the band was functioning without side effects or complication – the most common reason for removal was inadequate weight loss.
After the Lap Band surgery you are required to adopt a new discipline and adjust to a new way of eating and like any diet – there is a high failure rate.
A significant number have reportedly adopted a highly caloric semi-liquid diet to avoid the vomiting side effects.
The general difficulties with the diet include ingestion of high caloric sweets, lack of protein, malnutrition, anemia, and vitamin depletion.
Post operative doctor’s visits is also key to success but not frequently followed.
Frequent causes of Lap Band re-operation
Material breakdown, insufficient weight loss, intractable gastro-oesophageal reflux, pouch dilation or band slippage, and intragastric migration of the band – meaning the band moves out of position allowing the patient to still be able to eat full meals.
The occurrence of Lap Band failures and re-operation has become so prevalent that researchers are making a biodegradable band to completely disappear before “dreadful delayed complications can occur”
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