Gastric Bypass Complications

It is common for a person considering weight loss surgery to wonder about gastric bypass complications. Even though this surgery is safe, it is like any other medical procedure and there is always that small percentage of people that do have things that go wrong. Many of these complications are treatable. For me, I considered the risks of being obese to be more of problem that something that could happen to me during surgery. But this is definitely a personal choice. There are many people that lose hundreds of pounds just by eating less and exercising. This is also a weight loss option for anyone that is overweight.

With the roux-en-y, you are having surgery on your stomach. So, you are at risk for the same complications of any surgical procedure performed on your stomach and intestinal area. You are at risk for the following if you have abdominal surgery:

Infection-If you are being cut on, there is a chance you could get an infection.

Hemorrhage-If blood vessels are being cut, there is a chance that there could be bleeding that could be difficult to control.

Hernia-This is when sac-like membrane protrudes through an incision. With laparoscopic surgery being the common method used during surgery, this complication has reduced significantly.

Bowel Obstruction-This is something that can result from scar tissue that often occurs from surgery. This may be something that could become a problem years down the road.

Venus Thromboembolism-In simple terms, this is excess clotting of the blood. Blood clots can break off and move to the lungs. This can be a life threatening occurrence and is a risk in any surgical procedure.

There are also risks that are specific to gastric bypass surgery. While some of these I would not consider surgical risks, they will be conditions that you may have to deal with as a result of having weight loss surgery.

Anastomotic Leakage-Since the small intestine is actually reattached to the stomach, there is the possibility that the area where the small intestine is attached to the stomach could leak. There is about a 2% chance that this could happen and it will most likely require surgery to correct.

Anastomotic Stricture-During the healing process of the area where the small intestine and the stomach are attached, there is the possibility that the scar tissue can cause a stricture or blockage that would require and endoscopy to stretch the opening to allow proper passage of food.

Anastomotic Ulcer-This can occur for any number of reasons. This is often treated with traditional methods, such as; Proton pump inhibitors, acid blockers and diet.

Dumping Syndrome-Most gastric bypass patients will experience this to some extent, especially if they eat too much sugar. You will experience flu-like symptoms, increase heart rate, sweating and diarrhea. This feeling can be quite uncomfortable and will normally subside within an hour.

Nutritional Deficiencies-Because less of the nutrients are absorbed following surgery, patients can experience nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. This can be avoided by taking bariatric or prenatal vitamins.

Bariatic surgery is not without risks, just as with any surgery. The lap band procedure has the lowest potential for complications among weight loss surgery types, but patients tend not to lose as much weight on this surgery. You must also realize that obesity is also dangerous and will not only limit the length of your life; your quality of life will also suffer tremendously. Opting to have weight loss surgery is only a decision you can make.