Lapband Slippage Symptoms
Weight loss surgery has become one of the most popular ways to address chronic and long-term obesity in the United States. Obesity is an epidemic and can lead to many long-term health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and more. One method of weight loss surgery is the lapband, which is where a band is placed around the stomach and sutured into place. This restricts the amount of food the stomach is able to contain and results in substantial and permanent weight loss. Sometimes the band slips out of place, however, causing discomfort and pain.
Reflux
According to Mark Pleatman, MD, one of the most common symptoms of lapband slippage is acid reflux. Often this is an early indicator that stomach acids are being regurgitated back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux can become a chronic problem and can result in significant stomach and esophagus pain. Treatment for acid reflux involves lifestyle changes, such as adjusting eating times and the volume of food being eaten. Also, spicy foods are eliminated from the diet, along with alcoholic, carbonated and caffeinated beverages.
Nausea
Nausea is another common symptom of lapband slippage. Nausea often occurs because food is not passing easily into the stomach. Pressure may be felt as food is trapped in the prolapsed stomach, resulting in nausea as the stomach attempts to rid itself of the food. If nausea becomes chronic, the lapband may need to be adjusted surgically to set it back in place. In severe cases of lapband slippage, the band may need to be removed completely. In this case, an alternative form of gastric bypass may be used, such as a roux-en-Y.
Vomiting
Vomiting sometimes occurs early in the process as the individual becomes used to eating smaller volumes of food and the body adjusts. Vomiting may also accompany nausea if food becomes trapped in a prolapsed stomach. Chronic vomiting can become a problem and stress the esophagus and muscles of the stomach.
Decreased Appetite
According to Arturo Rodriguez, MD, another symptom of lapband slippage and stomach prolapse is decreased appetite. Often, this is the result of chronic nausea and vomiting as the body begins to reject food, since every time the person eats, he feels uncomfortable. Although decreased appetite is the goal of weight loss surgery, after the initial stages of adjustment, decreased appetite should be a warning sign that something significant has changed.
