Negative Effects of Lap Banding
Many people consider Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Binding (lap band) surgery as a weight-loss method. Lap band surgery works by placing a silicone gastric band around the upper part of the stomach, which reduces the amount of food that can be held in the stomach at one time. Although surgery can be effective in weight loss, negative effects can include surgical complications and long-term maintenance, post-surgery dietary restrictions and psychological and emotional issues.
Surgical Complications and Ongoing Maintenance
Lap band surgery carries the same risks of all major surgeries, including infection, death, gastric perforation, spleen or liver damage, lung problems, blood clots and perforation of the stomach or esophagus. After surgery, some patients experience nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing. Some negative effects directly associated with the band can including band slippage, leakage, stomach pouch enlarging, blocked stomach outlet, and band erosion into the stomach. Many people are not aware that periodic band adjustments are required as well.
Post-Surgery Diet
After the lap band surgery is performed, most patients must dramatically alter their eating habits. Patients must stick to a liquid diet the first one to two weeks after the surgery, and must consume pureed foods in the week or two following that. Foods with high calorie, fat and sugar content, such as pastries, popcorn, pasta and fried foods, typically need to be avoided indefinitely after the surgery. Because the surgery reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, meals must be small and measured or the patient may experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Psychological and Emotional Issues
Many people who opt for lap band surgery have struggled with weight issues and obesity for much of their lives. After surgery, the dramatic weight loss can affect their mental state and personal lives negatively. Some people have had emotional attachments to food, such as eating to celebrate, eating for comfort or boredom eating, and they are upset to find that they can no longer continue past eating habits. Some patients have difficulties relating to friends and family because of the changes in themselves after surgery, and they find that they must change their peer roles after the weight loss. Some experience depression and self-esteem issues if the weight loss has left them with extra skin.
Cost
Some insurance companies will pay for the lap band surgery, depending on the patient's medical conditions. Generally, the overall cost of the procedure is between $12,000 USD and $25,000 USD, which may include the surgeon, facility and anesthesiologist fees. Additional costs include adjustment fees and follow-up appointments. Some patients must pay for the surgery out of pocket, which may create debt and credit issues.
