University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

Risks

Balancing Surgical Risks Against the Risks of Obesity

Surgical Risks

The major risks associated with gastric banding are significantly less than other forms of bariatric surgery.  Since the banding procedure does not involve opening of the gastric cavity and there is no cutting, stapling or bypassing, most of the side effects and potential for infection usually associated with obesity surgery are avoided.

Possible Complications

The most significant problem associated with gastric banding has been alteration in the size of the stomach pouch which is isolated above the band. This pouch may enlarge in some cases, either due to slippage of the band, or stretching of the wall of the pouch. In addition, there is the potential for band erosion into the stomach. 

Other possible risks or complications include:

• Band leakage
• Reflux or vomiting
• Erosion of band into stomach
• Difficulty swallowing
• Enlargement of stomach pouch or band slippage
• Dehydration
• No weight loss
• Blockage of stomach outlet
• Gas bloat
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Ulceration
• Weight regain
• Gastritis
• In extremely rare cases, death

Remember, one of the major advantages of the gastric band is that it can be removed or replace if any of these complications become serious or life-threatening.

You should discuss potential risks and complications with your surgeon.

Risks of Obesity

Obesity is emerging as a health epidemic around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is rapidly spreading across all regions and demographic groups. The prevalence of obesity has increased more than 60% in the past decade. A quarter of the U.S. population is obese and another 97 million Americans are overweight or at risk of becoming obese.

Morbid Obesity

A person who generally weighs at least twice or 100 pounds more than his or her ideal weight or has a BMI of 40 or more is diagnosed as morbidly obese. The National Institutes of Health report that morbid obesity may considerably reduce life expectancy and is associated with an increased risk of developing conditions or diseases such as:

• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Joint Problems
• Sleep Apnea
• Cancer
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Respiratory Problems

Calculate Your BMI

A measurement used to assess health risks of obesity itself is Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (lbs.) by height in inches squared (in²) and multiplying that amount by 703. 

Calculate your BMI in the tool in the left column of this page and then review the chart to see if your health is at risk.

*Health risk mentioned here includes disease risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The BMI classification and health risk information above are based on Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults published by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, in 1998.