Bariatric Surgery Risks and Complications

This article outlines some but not all bariatric surgery risks and complications. Risks associated with surgery vary depending on factors such as the condition of the individual and the type of surgery.

To gain an accurate appreciation of the specific risks you may be facing by choosing a particular type of surgery you should complete one of our enquiry forms. A qualified doctor from a bariatric clinic is best placed to outline the bariatric risks and complications that may be applicable to you.

Undergoing this treatment is considered major surgery. Because patients are dangerously obese their bodies are not in optimum shape to undergo the stress that comes with surgery. Therefore bariatric surgery contains risks and complications and patients are encouraged to lose weight, stop smoking and improve their health levels prior to having the procedure.

Non physical effects

Undergoing gastric bypass surgery may have mental as well as the obvious physical consequences. Patients have been known to suffer from depression after surgery because they cannot eat the foods they are use to. Bariatric surgery is also likely to lead to reduced energy levels because you are consuming less food so this coupled with muscular weakness can create fatigue. It is not uncommon for these bariatric surgery risks and complications to stay around for several months but they generally pass over time as food consumption increases and your body adjusts.

Infection

Surgical forms of bariatric surgery involve creating incisions and there is a risk that these can become infected. Bacteria can be released from the inside of the bowel and this can cause infection of the incisions or the inside of the abdomen. Infections can be treated by antibiotics and to reduce the chances of this bariatric surgery complication, patients are encouraged to gently exercise after surgery.

Hernia

Another bariatric surgery risk is a hernia. This occurs when the abdominal wall hasn’t healed properly and the abdomen protrudes through the abdominal muscles. This condition will usually show itself via a bulge on the skin above the affected area and it can be treated through surgery.

Pulmonary Embolism

This occurs when a blood cot in the leg area becomes free and travels around the body into the lungs. Pulmonary Embolism can cause death but in most instances the patient suffers from a shortness of breath. Blood thinners are commonly administrated pre surgery to reduce the chances of this bariatric surgery risk and complication.

Nutritional deficiencies

Gastric bypass surgery results in a shrinking of the stomach which in turn leads to the patient consuming less and therefore losing weight. Because the patient is consuming less food it is important that they still get the right vitamins and minerals in to their bodies. To avoid this bariatric surgery risk and complication, the patient is usually prescribed nutritional supplements.

How do I find out what are the exact bariatric surgery risks and complications that apply to me?

This article contains some examples of bariatric surgery risks and complications. The specific issues facing a person thinking about having bariatric surgery vary according to the physical condition of the individual and the type of procedure they are undergoing. Deciding to have surgery is an important decision and you should be aware of all the bariatric surgery risks and complications prior to having treatment.

Please complete one of our enquiry forms and your details will be passed to a bariatric clinic. The qualified doctor there will be best placed to inform you on all the bariatric surgery risks and complications that are relevant to you.