Potential Risks

A number of studies have show that the adjustable gastric band procedure is the safest surgical option for treating obesity.

The adjustable gastric band has a solid safety track record, but every procedure has the possibility of risks and complications. Bleeding and infection are the most common. Being significantly overweight or having heart, liver or kidney disease can increase the risks of the procedure. Death is a risk of any surgery.

In general, complications with adjustable gastric band are not serious. They include:

• band slippage (occurs in 1-2% of patients)
• band erosion (occurs in less than 1 in 1000 patients)
• port site pain or displacement
• leakage of the reservoir, tubing or band

During the procedure, there is a very small potential for injury of the stomach, esophagus, liver or spleen or major blood loss. Rarely, this may require that the surgeons move from laparoscopic surgery to a conventional open approach. Some complications could require hospitalization and/or additional surgery.

If you have any painful symptoms or concerns about complications, please tell us immediately.

Visit www.lapbandcanada.ca for detailed risk information.