UNDERSTANDING POSSIBLE LAP-BAND® COMPLICATIONS

For some patients, diet and exercise alone are not enough to maintain their ideal weight. Bariatric surgery can provide these patients with the tools they need to adopt a healthier lifestyle and protect themselves against weight-related conditions. Weight-loss procedures are generally safe and effective when they are performed by a reputable surgeon, but it is important to understand possible LAP-BAND® complications before deciding to undergo surgery. The Long Beach, California bariatric surgery practice of Dr. Joseph Naim has an excellent safety record and will take every precaution to protect your health during and after your procedure. If you have been considering LAP-BAND® surgery and would like more information about its risks and benefits, please contact our office to make an appointment with Dr. Naim.

You can minimize your risk of complications by choosing an experienced surgeon.

The LAP-BAND® Procedure

The LAP-BAND® procedure is performed laparoscopically, meaning it is carried out with tiny instruments that are inserted through a few small incisions in the abdomen. During the minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Naim will place a hollow tube around your stomach. The band is then filled with saline solution. By reducing the volume your stomach can comfortably hold, LAP-BAND® allows you to feel satiated for longer, after eating much less than you normally would. Once the band is secured in place, Dr. Naim will close the incisions with sutures and provide you with temporary diet restrictions following your surgery.

Complications and Risks

Like any surgery, there are some inherent risks and possible complications associated with the LAP-BAND® procedure. Although your risk is low, complications include:

Anesthesia complications - Most problems associated with anesthesia during operations are related to problems inserting the breathing tube or adverse reactions to medications. Our practice employs highly trained anesthesiologists to monitor our patients throughout their procedure.
Bleeding problems - Some surgeries run a higher risk of excessive blood loss. Because Dr. Naim performs the LAP-BAND® procedure laparoscopically, the technique significantly reduces this risk.
Blood clots - Blood clots can form during or shortly after surgery due to inactivity during the recovery period. Overweight patients and individuals who have had previous clotting complications are at an even higher risk. Dr. Naim can administer blood thinning drugs to help address this concern.
Injury during surgery - Although it is possible for surrounding organs or tissue to sustain an accidental injury during your LAP-BAND® procedure, Dr. Naim has an unrivaled safety record and will take every possible precaution to ensure your well-being.
Scarring - For many procedures that require large incisions, significant scarring is simply unavoidable. The LAP-BAND® surgery is performed through very small incisions, and Dr. Naim will take great care to reduce any signs of visible scarring.
Swelling and bruising after surgery - Some slight bruising and swelling is a normal part of the healing process. Dr. Naim uses gentle, minimally invasive techniques to reduce the impact on surrounding tissue. He can also provide you with instructions to speed up your recovery.

Unlike some other weight-loss surgeries, the LAP-BAND® procedure is reversible and does not involve the removal of any portion of the stomach. This further reduces your risk of developing serious complications.

Learn More During a Consultation

If you are overweight and are interested in learning more about a safe, effective surgery that can improve your quality of life, please contact our practice to schedule a LAP-BAND ® consultation with Dr. Naim.

Locations

We have 4 locations in the greater Los Angeles area.

View Locations (310) 684-4070

"Dr. Naim and his entire staff are nothing short of amazing. So caring and attentive in every way, they truly made my experience effortless and positive in more ways than one."

M.J.