Bariatric Surgery Risks

Potential risks of Bariatric Surgery

Potential risks or side effects can be classified into two types:

  • Immediate post-operative complications
  • Possible infection of the wound at the site of (affects around 1 in 20 patients)
  • There may be a possibility of Internal bleeding (occurs in around 1 in 100 patients)Patient may develop blood clots (occurs in around 1 in 100 patients). Leg veins may develop clots, and also travel up to lungs. If this happens, it may cause pulmonary embolism, which can be life threatening.
  • Death

The estimated risk of death after gastric band insertion is around 1 in 200 and after gastric bypass surgery, the risk is around 1 in 100. This may be due to pulmonary embolism, severe bleeding, major infection, stroke, or heart attack.

Development of gallstones

A very common outcome of bariatric surgery could be Gall bladder stones. This may happen in 1 among 12 individuals. Gallstones are nothing but aggregates of chemicals and cholesterol that clog up the gall bladder. There may not be any symptoms or they may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and jaundice.

Stoma blockage

Another common complication of gastric bypass surgery is Stoma Blockage. It occurs when the opening (stoma) that connects the stomach pouch to the small intestine becomes blocked by a piece of food, resulting in persistent vomiting. We may find this condition in around 1 among 5 patients. And this can be easily treated by directing a small flexible endoscope into the stoma. A balloon is inflated to remove the obstruction. Stoma blockage can be avoided by chewing food in a thorough manner and in small quantities.

Excess skin

As the weight loss is very rapid, it results in skin becoming excessively loose and folded. These folds of skin are mostly found around the breasts, back, abdomen, limbs, and hips and are normally most apparent 12 to 18 months after surgery. Using cosmetic surgery, these folds can be removed.

Effects on mental health

There is a possibility of patients suffering from depression and anxiety after surgery as the weight loss is rapid. Patients may also develop relationship problems with their partner. Additionally, during social occasions orientated around meals may make the patient feel isolated and anxious due to their much reduced appetite and restricted diet.

Slippage of the gastric band

Another common problem that is found in 1 among 50 patients is the slippage of grastric band. As the band slips out of position, stomach pouch becomes bigger than it should be, resulting in nausea, vomiting and heartburn. This can be corrected by a surgery again.

Intolerance to foods

Patients may eventually develop intolerance to certain type of foods. And this happens with at least 1 among 35 patients. Certain foods may bring on heart burn, nausea and vomiting.

Even though bariatric procedures have been performed from last two to three decades, 'new' complications and risks may arise that may not have been reported before or listed above. Other complications and risks due to bariatrc surgery might occur, It is important for all patients to continue following up with the surgeon after surgery.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery Procedure

Life Style - Post Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery Doctors

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