Bariatric Surgery Risks

Bariatric surgery is a major gastrointestinal operation that should be viewed as the "last-ditch" solution to weight loss. As with all surgical procedures, bariatric surgery carries the potential for complications and other risks, and should only be performed when all other conventional weight loss options have been thoroughly explored and exhausted. Learn more about the potential complications of gastric bypass surgery by reading the information below.

Bariatric Surgery Complications

Like most every other form of surgery, bariatric surgery involves the chance of encountering certain risks, side effects, and discomfort. First and foremost, patients are forced to dramatically change their eating habits. If a patient overeats following successful bariatric surgery, he or she will likely vomit and experience severe nausea or “dumping syndrome.” Additionally, because gastric bypass operations cause food to skip the duodenum (a section of the small intestine where most iron and calcium are absorbed), individuals must supplement their diets to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Other bariatric surgery complications include the risk of leaking stomach acids, which would require emergency bariatric revision surgery to repair the damage. Some of the more common side effects, risks, and complications of bariatric surgery are:

• Persistent vomiting (caused by overeating)
• Breakdown of the staple line (and possible leaking of stomach acids)
• Ulcers
• Stretching of the stomach pouch
• Nutritional deficiencies that may lead to anemia or osteoporosis

These problems can be almost entirely avoided with regularly scheduled medical checkups and regular vitamin and mineral intake.

Some bariatric surgery complications are less likely, but just as serious as the more common side effects. Bariatric revision surgery is required in about 10 to 20 percent of patients, usually to correct abdominal hernias or pouch stretching and narrowing. About one-third of gastric bypass patients develop dumping syndrome, in which stomach contents move rapidly to the small intestines. This can cause nausea, weakness, sweating, and fainting spells.

Patients who stop losing weight soon after their bariatric surgery should be checked for complications. It is essential to diligently attend follow-up sessions with doctors and therapists for the best results.

Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Even when performed successfully and competently, gastric bypass surgery is not without risks. Complications of gastric bypass surgery can be serious and life threatening. Not counting the side effects listed above, these risks may include:

• Possible staple line failure
• Leakage of stomach acid
• Development of ulcers
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Chronic anemia
• Osteoporosis

Fortunately for patients who experience these complications, several of them can be treated after gastric bypass surgery with supplements such as calcium and iron. Patients who develop severe complications like leakage may have to undergo emergency gastric bypass revision surgery.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Side Effects

The complications of gastric bypass surgery must be carefully weighed, as this type of surgery involves significant modification to the gastrointestinal system. Perhaps the most noticeable lifestyle difference after gastric bypass surgery is related to the reduced holding capacity of the stomach pouch. This diminutive pouch can only hold about one or two ounces of food, which means that overall food intake must be drastically reduced. Following gastric bypass surgery, patients will become full after a very small meal. Attempting to eat more in one sitting will cause significant discomfort or nausea, and may cause vomiting. For some, eating highly refined sugars or fatty foods can cause a group of complications known as dumping syndrome, an unpleasant side effect of gastric bypass that can cause waves of nausea and weakness that last 30 to 60 minutes at a time. To avoid such disagreeable side effects, gastric bypass patients need to radically alter their eating habits for life. Even so, they may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, flatulence, and inconsistent stools.

LAP BAND® Risks and Complications

LAP-BAND® surgery is a form of bariatric surgery that comes with its own set of risks and complications. Because it works by restricting the amount of food allowed into the stomach, side effects may include:

• Stomach wall deterioration
• Formation of ulcers
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Gas bloat
• Difficulty swallowing

It is important to remember that this is not a comprehensive list of complications; all forms of bariatric surgery have similar overall risks. The best way to minimize complications of all types of bariatric surgery, whether gastric bypass or LAP-BAND®, is to follow the instructions of all doctors and therapists involved in your treatment.

Find a Bariatric Surgeon Near You

When making the decision to undergo bariatric surgery, you must be aware of the complications and risks that are possible. Depending on the amount of weight you lose, the method of surgery you choose, and your lifestyle choices before and after surgery, the overall risk of side effects varies from person to person. The best way to find out if you are at risk for developing complications of gastric bypass surgery is to speak with a qualified surgeon in person. DocShop can help you locate a qualified bariatric surgeon near you.