subject: The Lap Band – What Are the Risks? [print this page] The Lap Band What Are the Risks? The Lap Band What Are the Risks?
Weight-loss can be a difficult journey for many people. With so many new diets, pills, and books, it's not too surprising to see a surgery commercialized the way that the Lap Band has been. The Lap Band is a minimally invasive bariatric weight-loss surgery that has helped millions of people to lose weight. But what are the lap band risks?
The immediate risk of having Lap Band surgery is malnutrition. The banding system creates a small pouch on the upper part of the stomach, restricting a patient from eating large amounts of food at a time. This decrease in appetite can also decrease the type and amount of vitamins ingested. In turn, a person can have an array of side effects, from vomiting to diarrhea to constipation. Even hair loss has been reported, as a related affect of malnutrition.
Infection is also a concern with Lap Band patients. The band is adjusted through a port that is placed just below the skin. During lap band adjustments, silicone is injected into the site to decrease the amount of food that the band allows through to the stomach. Or in other cases, silicon is removed to allow for more food to be digested quicker. If the port is not properly placed or cared for, infection can occur. Additional surgery may be needed to adjust the positioning of the port to the device.
The band can also erode into the stomach wall and cause ulceration or internal bleeding. Often times, the body completely rejects the device and severe pain can occur. In these cases the band must be removed and may not ever be replaced.
While these side effects may deter one from obtaining a Lap Band, one must remember that most surgery comes with associated risks. In the case of the Lap Band, the benefits can outweigh the possibility of these risks becoming reality. Many of the concerns related to surgery can be answered at your nearest lap band clinic.
Please visit http://www.lovelapband.com to learn more information.
