Bariatric surgery and diving?

[jay freeman]

Gastric Band and diving? Any thoughts or information on implications and/or risks of diving after having an adjustable gastric band surgery? I know that the fluid in the band is incompressible, so in theory there should not be any problem... but that's just theory.... and certainly it is not uncommon for there to be "some" air in the tubing of the band, which certainly is subject to expansion/compression issues

I know some divers who have had gastic by-pass surgery and dive with no problem... but that seems different somehow than an AGB....

Thanks!

Jay

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Jay,

Since saline typically is used to adjust such bands, as long as no gas is introduced into the system no change in volume should occur during diving. If such changes did take place, the band could be displaced or the stomach damaged.

Post-surgery it is desirable that the diver be able to belch and be free of reflux. In the absence of these desiderata, there is the possibility of injury to the stomach or esophagus.

Arguably more important than the question raised are the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and physical fitness of the diver who has undergone bariatric surgery. Each of these fitness factors should receive careful medical evaluation before undertaking scuba.

Helpful?

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[jay freeman]

Thanks!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Jay,

You're entirely welcome.

In case you're interested in a more wide-ranging discussion of bariatric surgery and scuba, you might enjoy the following from the DAN website:

Bariatric Surgery and Diving
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/faq.asp?faqid=190

Regards,

DocVikingo