Question:
If lap band surgery is non-invasive, does it follow that they are

safer and less prone to complications?    — vitoria (posted on July 9, 2004)

July 9, 2004
I think so. I had the lapband 7 months ago and have lost 62lbs. (I need a fill but am waiting for the kids to go back to school.) I have had NO complications or problems. And don't know anyone who has. I chose the LAPBAND because my sister had the RYN and died 58 days later due to complications. So for me the band was the way to go. Good luck, Mary
   — mary K.

July 9, 2004
Any surgery has risk - But with the lapband 1) its done 'lap' and 2) there is NO cutting of the stomach inside or rerouting the intestines... FAR less done inside - so yes FAR less RISK that something 'could' happen such as leaks etc.
   — star .

July 9, 2004
Since the lap band does not have the bypass portion of the surgery, it is safer with respect to nutritional deficiencies that cause problems like anemia and osteoporosis. Is it really considered non-invasive though? You still get cut and something is inserted into your body... but it's certainly less invasive as your intestines aren't rearranged and your stomach isn't cut.
   — mom2jtx3

July 9, 2004
Both the lap band and lap RNY are considered minimally invasive vs open surgeries. Obviously, the band is less likely to have potential nutritional problems associated with it, however if you are regular with bloodwork and your nutritional supplements/vitamins you are usually fine with the RNY too.
   — Fixnmyself

July 16, 2004
89% of patients have at least one side effect. Nausea and Vomiting 51%. Heart Burn 34%. Need for re-operation or removal as high as 25%. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Talk Paper T01-26, June 5, 2001.
   — Dina McBride