What Are the Potential Risks and Complications of Gastric Band Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that can occur in gastric band surgery. We’re committed to providing you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision about your surgery. Although these problems rarely occur, we want you to know the facts. Risks are categorized in three areas: Abdominal Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, and Gastric Banding Surgery.

Risks Associated with Abdominal Surgery

• Bleeding
• Pain
• Shoulder pain
• Pneumonia
• Complications due to anesthesia and medications
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Injury to stomach, esophagus, or surrounding organs
• Infection
• Pulmonary embolism
• Stroke or Heart Attack
• Death

Note: Risks are associated with any type of surgery, including abdominal surgery. These risks are greater for individuals who suffer from obesity.

Risks Associated with Bariatric Surgery

• Abdominal hernia
• Chest pain
• Collapsed lung
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Enlarged heart
• Gallstones, pain from passing a gallstone, inflammation of the gallbladder, or surgery to remove the gallbladder
• Gastrointestinal inflammation or swelling
• Stoma obstruction
• Stretching of the stomach
• Surgical procedure repeated
• Vomiting and nausea

Note: Your weight, age and medical history play a significant role in determining your specific risks. Your surgeon can inform you about your specific risks for bariatric surgery.

Risks Associated with Gastric Banding

• Migration of implant (band erosion, band slippage, port displacement)
• Tubing-related complications (port disconnection, tubing kinking)
• Band leak
• Esophageal spasm
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammation of the esophagus or stomach
• Port-site infection

Note: Complications may result in reoperations. Refer to the Realize™ Band Patient Guide for a full description of risks and side effects. To order a patient guide click here.

Side Effects and Discomfort

After surgery your body needs to adjust to the newly implanted REALIZE Band. Your recovery experience may not be the same as other REALIZE Band patients. Regurgitation, nausea, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea are typical. But abdominal pain that lasts more than three hours means that you should contact your surgeon right away or go to your local emergency room.

People who lose a lot of weight, regardless of the weight loss method, are at a high risk for developing gallstones. Surgery or other procedures may be necessary to remove the stones and/or gallbladder. There may be other side effects that are specific to you. You should report any unusual experiences to your surgeon.