What Causes Lap Band Failure?
Understanding the risks of gastric band failure is important before going into surgery. Not all people will experience problems, but when they do, it’s important to know what they are and be aware if they’re happening.
Failure could simply mean that the patient didn’t lose any weight after the procedure. It could also mean that they had adverse side effects.
The most common problems people experience are vomiting, indigestion, acid reflux, and nausea, in that order. Only about a quarter of patients undergoing this surgery experience vomiting, and the likelihood of the other issues goes down in percentage throughout the list.
Other more serious side effects that lead to the need for a lap band revision or removal include the following:
- band slippage
- Leaking
- blood clots
- issues with bowel function
- esophageal dilation
- hiatal hernia
- perforated bowel
- Swelling or infection at the port
These are just some of the problems a patient may face when experiencing a gastric band failure. If they don’t follow the diet changes suggested by their doctor, it will lead to some of the more common side effects. Overeating will cause food to come back up the esophagus.
When a patient overeats, it can cause a need for adjustments to the band. These adjustments will sometimes help with side effects like vomiting and nausea.
If the patient isn’t meeting the requirements of keeping up on their lap band needs, they could also have problems. This includes not going in for fills to keep the band working properly. Lap band failure includes patient neglect.
Lap Band Not Working? Reasons to Consider the ESG Procedure
When patients who have had a Lap Band procedure that has not worked for them require a revision, the ESG procedure is an ideal non-surgical outpatient alternative.
Even if the patient is eligible for other weight loss surgical treatments, this one may be the better choice. It has fewer risks and side effects as the lap band.
Endoscopic suturing is another term to describe the steps used in the process of the ESG procedure. A coagulation device is used to mark the anterior and posterior walls, along with the greater curve. This is where the first set of stitches will be placed.
All of this is done without any cutting.
The triangular running suture pattern will run along the anterior wall to the curve and then to the posterior wall and back again. The sutures are then cinched tight. Five to six rows of these sutures will be done before the final step happens.
This shrinks the size of the stomach. Which means the patient will feel fuller faster. It also promotes the need for a diet change.
The procedure is finished with a second row of running or interrupted stitches along the lesser curve. This acts as the sleeve.
Possible Side Effects of the ESG Procedure
While risks of serious problems are fewer with the ESG, there are still some possible complications. Bleeding is one of the most common. This is due to the suturing of the stomach wall. Significant bleeding may require a blood transfusion but is very unlikely.
Other concerns and complications are listed on this page. They include stomach leak, blood clots, and injury to the esophagus.
Dr. Marvin is a bariatric surgeon who specializes in multiple surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures, the ESG procedure included. It’s important to know that there is more than one choice in weight loss treatments, and the ESG procedure is one of his recommendations for patients with a lap band not working.
For more information on this state-of-the-art weight loss procedure and to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Martin at (713) 993-7124.
