Gastric Bypass Surgery – Knowing the Risks

Like any other type of elective surgery, gastric bypass surgery
comes complete with its own set of risks. In fact, 10 to 20
percent of gastric bypass patients require follow-up surgery to
correct a complication of the original weight loss surgery,
according to the National Institutes of Health. The following
list covers the most serious risks, and necessary treatments.

Pulmonary Embolism – Patients face a one percent chance of blood
clots developing in the legs after surgery. Several techniques
can prevent the formation of clots, such as using surgical
compression stockings that put pressure on the legs and maintain
blood flow in the days following surgery. If clots do form, they
may break off and be carried into the lungs, where they can get
caught. Emergency surgery is required.

Peritonitis – If a staple or suture used during surgery ruptures
and allows stomach fluid to leak into the abdominal cavity, it
can cause a serious infection, called peritonitis. Emergency
surgery is required to seal the leak, followed by treatment with
antibiotics to kill the infection.

Gallstones – More than one-third of gastric bypass surgery
patients develop gallstones, which seem to be caused by rapid
weight loss. If a patient has gallstones before the operation,
the surgeon will remove the gall bladder during the gastric
bypass operation to prevent further difficulties. If there are
no signs of gall bladder problems, the doctor may prescribe
medication to minimize the risk after surgery.

Chronic Vomiting – The connection between the stomach and the
intestines can narrow as a result of scar tissue forming. When
this occurs, food cannot pass easily through the channel, which
may cause nausea and vomiting after eating. To correct the
problem during follow-up surgery, the doctor will insert a
balloon into the opening and stretch it. This outpatient
procedure has a 90 percent success rate.

Dumping Syndrome – This problem occurs when food moves too
quickly through the small intestine and causes nausea, weakness,
sweating, faintness, and possibly diarrhea soon after eating.
Normally, it is caused eating highly refined foods, like sugars.
Proper dietary precautions can prevent or control this problem.

Nutritional Deficiencies – Approximately 30 percent of gastric
bypass patients develop severe nutritional deficiencies, such as
anemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disorders. Taking the
correct combination of dietary supplements can prevent these
problems.

Stomach Ulcers – Ulcers can develop at the top part of the
intestine when it is connected to the new stomach pouch.
Traditional ulcer treatments are used.

Hernia – Hernias can develop in any part of the abdominal
muscles where there is a weak point that allows a part of the
stomach or intestines to push through. Surgery can correct this
problem.

Pregnancy – Women should not get pregnant for at least two years
after surgery to prevent serious post-surgical complications.
Women who later become pregnant must also be careful to take the
correct nutritional supplements to protect both her and the baby
from developing nutritional deficiencies.

Bowel Obstruction – This problem can result when scar tissue
develops where the stomach was sewn or stapled to create a
smaller pouch. This requires immediate emergency medical
treatment that may include surgery.

With all of the hazards involved, you need to carefully weigh
the risks against the benefits of gastric bypass surgery. On the
positive side, in addition to weight loss, gastric bypass
surgery can dramatically reduce the chance of obesity-related
heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea, as well as improve
lower back and knee problems. Before arranging gastric bypass
surgery, discuss all treatment options with your doctor to
determine the course of action that is right for you.

This article provides an overview of health issues related to
gastric bypass surgery and is not intended to replace the advice
of a medical practitioner. Please consult your doctor prior to
making any major medical decisions.

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