Signs of Lap Band Slippage
A lap band is an adjustable band implanted around the stomach to restrict the size of the stomach and the amount of food that can be consumed. Doctors perform the surgery on obese patients who have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. Lap band slippage occurs when the stomach slips up through the band and causes the pouch to enlarge. There are several surgical methods generally employed to fix the problem.
Nausea
Nausea is a symptom of lap band slippage after a banding procedure. Overeating also causes nausea in lap band patients; however, when it continues even when no food has been consumed, it is a sign of lap band slippage. Nausea may inhibit the ability to get proper nutrition after the procedure, but this is a rare occurrence. Some patients may become nauseated when consuming liquids, as well as solids, with a band slippage. Patients who have had lap band surgery are instructed to pay attention to how they feel after eating to detect any changes in the position of the lap band.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when the lap band has slipped out of place and is forcing stomach acid up into the esophagus. Acid reflux is a condition that causes symptoms of heartburn and chest discomfort. Some patients with acid reflux may feel symptoms in the throat and develop a dry cough. Patients who have been tolerating solid food without incident and suddenly experience acid reflux may have had a lap band slip.
Vomiting
Some patients who have lap band slippage may experience vomiting. This can become severe enough to limit the ability to eat and get the proper nutrition for good health and weight loss. Patients who have not changed their diet and are eating meals that were previously tolerated and are experiencing vomiting must visit the doctor to diagnose a slippage of the lap band.
Consuming More Food
Patients who are able to consume more food than before may have had more of the stomach slip through the band, which allows the pouch to become larger and able to handle more food. The goal of a lap band surgery is to restrict the amount of food that you can consume during a meal. When you consume larger meals, weight loss slows and the effect of the banding surgery is diminished. Doctors instruct patients to monitor the amount of food that they are able to consume to detect any slippage of the band.
