Understanding Gastric Banding Side Effects

What Is Gastric Banding?

Gastric banding surgery involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of your stomach to reduce how much food you can eat during one meal and keep you feeling full longer. The band can be tightened up or made looser as needed by adding or removing saline solution through a small port that is installed under your skin.

This surgery is not performed as often today as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, but some people still choose it because it is completely reversible.

What Are the Most Common Gastric Banding Side Effects?

Some gastric banding side effects are mild and just temporary, improving as your body heals. Sometimes they persist if the band is too tight or the patient does not make significant changes to their diet after surgery.

After undergoing any type of laparoscopic surgery, many patients experience shoulder pain that is caused by the leftover, trapped gas that was used to help the surgeon perform the operation.

Some other common gastric banding side effects include:

• Mild pain or soreness around the incision sites.
• Upper abdominal discomfort where the band was placed.
• Tenderness around where the adjustment port was installed.
• Becoming full quickly.
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn or acid reflux.
• Difficulty swallowing
• Food getting stuck
• Constipation

Long-Term Gastric Banding Side Effects

Some people develop more serious complications several months or even years after their gastric band surgery, which is why gastric sleeve surgery is performed much more often than gastric banding. Some of these complications may require another procedure, surgery, or removal of the band to correct.

Some of the possible long-term gastric banding side effects include:

• The band slipping or moving out of place.
• The band irritates or perforates the stomach wall.
• The new smaller stomach pouch becomes stretched.
• The area around the band or the access port becomes infected.
• Problem with the port or the tubing.
• Chronic acid reflux.
• Having issues swallowing solid foods.
• Regaining weight if the band is no longer working as it should.

Why Do Gastric Banding Side Effects Happen?

There are several things that can create side effects or exacerbate the ones you are already experiencing. These include:

• Eating too fast.
• Taking bites that are too large.
• Not chewing your food enough.
• Drinking fluids while you’re eating.
• If your band is overly tight.
• Missing your follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress.
• Other changes that can just naturally occur in your stomach over time.

When Should I Call My Doctor For Gastric Banding Side Effects?

Some side effects are normal after gastric band surgery, but there are certain symptoms that you should never ignore. Catching and treating issues early will give you the best chance of avoiding more serious complications. Contact your surgeon or bariatric team right away if you notice:

• Abdominal pain that is severe or is getting worse.
• If you can’t stop vomiting.
• If you are having trouble swallowing liquids
• You start running a fever or have chills.
• You notice redness, swelling, or drainage where your port is installed.
• You have chest pain.
• You are unable to eat or drink.
• You are becoming dehydrated.

Can You Prevent Gastric Banding Side Effects?

There is no way to prevent every potential complication from happening after gastric banding surgery, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of complications. Some things you can do to help things go smoothly, include:

• Eating very slowly
• Taking small bites and chewing them completely before swallowing.
• Following the meal plan recommended for you by your surgeon and avoiding foods that are known to get stuck or cause problems.
• Attending all of your follow-up appointments.
• Alerting your doctor to any new symptoms right away.
• Staying physically active

Is Gastric Band Surgery Still a Good Option?

Gastric band surgery may be a good option for some patients because it does not make any permanent changes to the stomach and can be adjusted or removed if needed.

Studies have shown that there are higher rates of long-term complications with gastric bands than with other types of bariatric surgery, but the right choice for you depends on your current health, medical history, weight loss goals, and the recommendations of your surgeon.

Where Can I Learn More About Gastric Banding Surgery In Atlanta, GA?

The bariatric specialists at the Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute (LESI) offer gastric banding surgery in Alpharetta, GA, and the surrounding areas of Atlanta.

Losing weight may be one of the biggest challenges you will ever face, but you do not have to do it all alone. Board-certified bariatric surgeons Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Brendon Curtis and their amazing team of professionals can help you choose the weight loss solution that is best for your needs and circumstances.

Set up your personal consultation today to learn more about your options for medical weight loss intervention and how we can help you get your health back on track.

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