Surgery Complications
Gastric bypass surgery is recommended for obese individuals who have difficulty losing weight using conventional methods. This procedure is regarded as highly effective, but it does carry risks both before and after surgery. If you are considering gastric bypass, or any other type of weight loss surgery, you should become aware of possible complications beforehand. Understanding these risks can help you avoid many of these complications.
Gastric bypass surgery complications are similar to those common to any other surgical procedure. However, since patients are overweight they typically have other issues that make the surgery more complex. Risks incurred in the hospital include mortality, infections either within the stomach or in the external incisions, pulmonary or leg clots or respiratory issues.
Leaking of the stomach contents can develop post-operatively. This occurs when the suture line at the site of the bypass leaks into the body cavity and must be repaired surgically. Bowel obstructions can occur if scar tissue builds up and does not let digested food pass through. Narrowing of the passage between the stomach and intestines can also occur and cause nausea and vomiting. Hernia at the incision is another risk of gastric bypass surgery. This can occur as frequently as 20 percent of the time in patients who weigh more than 300 pounds. Gallstones can develop anywhere from six to 18 months after surgery.
‘Dumping syndrome’ can occur in patients eating sweet food, which is not recommended. Dumping syndrome causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sweating and occurs when the contents of the digestive system move through too slowly. Because the volume of food eaten per meal is small nutritional deficiencies, including iron, calcium and B12 are common in patients who do not eat nutritious meals or take vitamin and mineral supplements.
Many gastric bypass surgery complicationscan be avoided by carefully following your surgeon’s instructions. For instance, drinking plenty of water (small amounts at a time) can prevent constipation. Avoiding fatty or sweet foods can eliminate ‘dumping syndrome’ in which food passes through the intestines too quickly. Finally, finding a doctor that is well-versed gastric bypass surgery can bring down the number of risks significantly.