Risks & Benefits to Having Surgery

As with any surgery there are both risks and benefits to having adjustable gastric banding surgery. Obesity is a chronic health problem that can lead to other major health issues including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes to name a few. Often, the risks can outweigh the benefits, but you must consider both sides before you decide to have the surgery.

Benefits to having surgery:

• Prevention of or improvements to medical conditions caused by a patient's obesity
• Surge in energy
• Increased life expectancy
• Increased self esteem
• Weight loss

Risks to having surgery:

• Blood clot in a vein (Deep venous thrombosis or DVT)
• Bleeding or infection
• Bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue
• Leakage of fluid
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Band slippage
• Gallstones
• Overall risk of death