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| How does weight loss surgery work? | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Am I a candidate? | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| What lifestyle can I expect after surgery? | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| How do I start the process? | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| About NSWLS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Complications of the gastric banding procedure
The SAGB operation is a safe procedure when compared to other operations for obesity. All surgical procedures, however carry some degree of risk. Even if done using minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, this is still major surgery and it is important that you are aware of some of the potential complications. These should be discussed in detail with your surgeon before you undergo surgery.
Every patient has a different ‘risk profile’. The level of risk will depend of various factors including your age, other health problems, and any previous operations you may have had.
There will always be a small risk of death with any type of operation. The risk of death as a result of undergoing SAGB is about 1 per 3000 patients.
Complications may occur during the surgery. Most of these will be minor and have no effect on your recovery or the function of the SAGB. However there is a small chance of more serious complications. Internal bleeding can occur which may necessitate you needing a blood transfusion. Damage to your stomach, oesophagus or other organs may require more extensive surgery. It may be necessary to convert your operation from laparoscopic to open surgery. You would not be aware of this until after you wake from surgery.
Infections can occur after the operation. These can affect the device itself, the reservoir, the wounds or the abdominal cavity. Infection may be treatable with antibiotics or may require further surgery or removal of the SAGB.
Blood clots in the leg (DVT) can occur after any operation. Measures are taken to reduce this risk as much as possible both during and after surgery. Blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause serious complications.
Further surgery may be required if the SAGB shifts its position. This can occur even years after surgery and is one of the many reasons for regular follow up checks. Further surgery may also be required if the device erodes the stomach wall.
Numerous other minor complications may occur as a result of SAGB surgery. Again, you should discuss these with your doctor before you decide to undergo surgery.
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