A leading clinical negligence solicitor is urging those considering gastric band surgery to weigh up both the negatives and the positives of going under the knife.
A gastric band operation is a type of weight loss surgery which involves reducing the capacity of the stomach using an adjustable band so that only small meals can be eaten.
The surgery’s popularity has grown significantly in the last ten years, particularly as celebrities including Vanessa Feltz, Fern Britton, Tina Malone and Sharon Osborne have spoken out about their use of the surgery, with the results of their weight loss clear to see.
But Louise Griffiths, a partner at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, has represented people whose surgery has not gone to plan. She is concerned that some people do not properly take into account the risks of going through a traumatic operation, and are too focussed on the weight loss guarantee afterwards.
Louise said: “It’s estimated that as many as 4,000 overweight Britons have this surgery each year. The large majority of gastric band operations go to plan and can lead to wonderful results of weight loss for those who go under the knife.
“But as with any major surgery, this operation carries risks which can be overlooked by obese people who are fixated with the desire to lose their excess weight, and do not fully consider the dangers associated with this surgery.
“Such surgery poses several risks, leading to complications such as post-operative infection, leakage and gastric bands slipping, leading to a further operation. The risk of exposure to anaesthetic is also more serious to those who are overweight. Despite this, many patients are still not fully aware of the potential dangers involved before proceeding with surgery.”
Louise is a leading clinical negligence solicitor, recognised as a leader in her field in Chambers UK and her team is recognised as one of the best in the North West by the Legal 500 guide.
The specialists advise members of the public who have suffered negligence at the hands of medical professionals, including GPs, surgeons, beauty therapists, dentists and other practitioners. They assist individuals in recovering compensation for injuries and financial losses they have suffered as a result of negligence.
ENDS
About StephensonsStephensons’ clinical negligence department specialises in recovering compensation for victims of medical accidents. The firm focuses on ‘whole life’ solutions, seeking results and offering practical support that will help people adapt to what can be a dramatically altered lifestyle. For more information please visit www.stephensons.co.uk.
Media information: Lianne Tracey
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
T: 01616 966 229
E: lianne.tracey@stephensons.co.uk