Last updated: 11/24/2009

Overall, complication and mortality rates are much lower for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding than for gastric bypass and other surgeries requiring sutures or stapling. The most common complications unique to adjustable gastric banding are band...

slippage, band erosion, balloon failure, gastric prolapse, port malposition or infection and esophageal dilatation. The port refers to the connection that rests just beneath the surface of the skin that permits adjustment of the cuff. Erosion means that the band sometimes irritates and breaks down the outer tissue of the stomach. Gastric prolapse occurs when the stomach begins to protrude up into the esophagus. Esophageal dilatation means that the esophagus or tube that connects the throat to the stomach can become stretched and expand beyond its normal limits. Newer versions of the device have corrected design flaws and improved outcomes. Also, as more surgeons gain experience with the procedure, complication rates fall. Your surgeon’s experience with implanting the device correlates with positive outcomes—practice makes perfect when it comes to adjustable gastric banding.