Gastric Bypass Surgery/Lap Band Surgery
In Southern California, over 4 patients who have completed lap-band weight-loss surgery this year have died due to complications from the surgery, alleged by relatives in lawsuits, court testimony, and interviews.
What is lap band surgery?
A laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, commonly referred to as a lap band, is an inflatable silicone device that is placed around the top portion of the stomach, via laparoscopic surgery, in order to treat obesity. Adjustable gastric band surgery is an example of bariatric surgery designed for obese patients with a body mass index of 40 or greater, or in some cases a body mass index of 35-40. The Lap-Band is approved for use only in people who have failed to lose weight by diet, exercise or drugs.
What is Gastric Bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass procedures are any of a group of similar operations. The first of the operation/s divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a much larger lower "remnant" pouch. Then the next step in the operation re-arranges the small intestine to allow both pouches to stay connected to it. Gastric bypass surgeries lead to a marked reduction in the functional volume of the stomach, accompanied by decreased appetite. After the surgery, the stomach is physically smaller, and patients will feel full or satisfied with less food.
Are you or a loved one victims?
Gastric bypass surgery and lap band surgery carry many dangers, risks and side effects. In some cases Gastric bypass surgery may lead to death. Gastric bypass surgery on morbidly obese patients carries greater risks. In recent years, the misleading promise and advertisement of supposedly easier weight loss has increased the demand for gastric bypass surgery, and the newest method of lap band surgery. The increased demand has led to less experienced practitioners and physicians performing the surgery, further increasing the risks and dangerous side effects.
For family members or dependents of those injured or killed by Gastric bypass surgery or lapband surgery by negligence, they have the right to sue and be awarded monetary damages. The attorneys at Mathew & George can determine if you are eligible for a medical malpractice lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit with respect to Gastric bypass surgeries or lapband surgeries.
The following factors must be present in order for a successful wrongful death lawsuit:
• The death was caused in whole or in part by the acts/omissions of the defendant
• Said defendant was negligent or is strictly liable for the death
• There is a surviving spouse, children, beneficiaries or dependents
• As a result of the victim's death, the family/dependents suffered monetary losses
Are you the victim of a gastric bypass surgery or lap band surgery gone wrong? Has a loved one died or undergone serious complications from lap band or gastric bypass surgery? For more questions on how to file a wrongful death lawsuit or medical malpractice lawsuit, please contact our attorneys at Mathew & George, who are well-versed in complicated weight loss surgeries, and schedule a FREE case analysis today (310) 478-4349 or (888)278-7878.
