Risks and Complications

We want you to fully understand the risks involved in surgery so that you can make an informed decision. Although complications are infrequent, all surgeries have some degree of risk. All of the staff members at the Slimband clinic will use their expertise and knowledge to prevent any complications or resolve any that arise. However, the importance of having a highly qualified medical team and the use of a certified facility cannot be overestimated. If a complication does arise, you, the surgeon and the nursing staff will need to communicate and work together in order to resolve the problem. Most complications involve an extension of the recovery period rather than any permanent effect on your final result.

The Slimband adjustable gastric band system is indicated for the reduction of excess body weight in persons affected with obesity, and who are resistant to dieting, i.e. persons whose body mass index (BMI, formula = weight in kilograms / (height in metres)²) is greater than or equal to 35 kg/m², or 30 to 35 kg/m² when combined with at least one comorbidity.

The surgeon is free to prescribe the adjustable gastric band at his/her own discretion.

• Inflammatory disease or congenital or acquired anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract
• Severe organic disease
• Potential bleeding disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract or patients who regularly or systematically take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Diagnosis or pre-existing symptoms or family history of connective tissue autoimmune disease
• Pregnancy
• Patients with a drug or alcohol addiction
• Patients who refuse to accept the dietary restriction required by the procedure
• Serious psychiatric disorders
• Do not implant the device at the site of infection or in a septic environment
• Do not implant the device in the event of allergy to components
• Do not implant the device in growing children

Complications that may arise from the use of an adjustable gastric band include risks associated with the anaesthesia, the surgical technique, and the degree of intolerance of the patient to any foreign body implanted in the body.

• Lesions of spleen
• Perforation of the stomach or oesophagus, bowel or damage to blood vessels major or minor, or viscus injury (liver, spleen)
• Other bleeding

• Nausea, vomiting (especially in the first few days after the intervention, and when the patient eats more than recommended)
• Bloating due to gas
• Dysphagia, dehydration
• Thromboembolic complications
• Infectious complications
• Postoperative bleeding

• Dilation of the upper pouch
• Slippage of the band
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Pyrosis
• Gastritis of the upper pouch
• Migration of the band
• Displacement and/or disconnection of the injection port
• Constrictive obstruction (due for example to oedema, food, an inadequate calibration, slippage of the band, or to torsion or dilation of the upper pouch)
• Deflation of the band (due to leak in the band, injection port, or connection tube)
• Rapid weight loss may lead to symptoms of malnutrition, anemia, and associated complications
• Infection of the injection port
• Constipation

The laparoscopic implantation technique is a state-of-the-art procedure. Surgeons who intend to perform this procedure should possess the necessary equipment and have extensive experience in minimally invasive surgery.