What are the risks and potential complications of gastric bypass?
As with all surgeries, gastric bypass involves risks and the possible complications. Complications may become serious and life threatening in some cases. Complications can develop during surgery or recovery.
General risks of surgery
The general risks of surgery include:
Anesthesia reaction, such as an allergic reaction and problems with breathing
Bleeding or hemorrhage (heavy bleeding), which can lead to shock
Blood clot, in particular a deep vein thrombosis that develops in the leg or pelvis. A blood clot can move to your lungs, heart or brain and cause a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke.
Death
Infection and septicemia, which is the spread of a local infection to the blood
Potential complications of gastric bypass
Complications of gastric bypass include:
Constipation
Damage to abdominal organs or major blood vessels
Dehydration
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Dumping syndrome (rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine causing symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, and abdominal pain)
Gallstones
Gastritis (irritated stomach tissue), ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation), and heartburn
Hernias
Intestinal stricture (narrowing)
Leaking of digested foods and digestive juices into the abdominal cavity from the area where organs are sewed together
Malnutrition including vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This can lead to long-term complications, such as osteoporosis, anemia, and permanent nervous system damage
Nausea, vomiting, gas and bloating
Poor weight loss results or inability to maintain long-term weight loss
Reducing your risk of complications
You can reduce the risk of certain complications by following your treatment plan and:
Following activity, dietary and lifestyle restrictions and recommendations
Notifying your doctor right away of any concerns, such as bleeding, fever, increase in pain, or wound redness, swelling or drainage
Taking your medications and vitamin and mineral supplements exactly as directed
Telling all members of your care team if you have any allergies
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Medical References
- Bariatric Surgery. The Journal of the American Medical Association. http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/303/6/576.full.pdf.
- Bariatric Surgery - Following Doctor's Orders Results In 35% More Weight Loss. Medical News Today. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/111681.php.
- Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases (NIDDK). http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm.
- Benefits of Bariatric Surgery. American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. http://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/patients/benefits.htm.
- Pile, JC. Evaluating postoperative fever: A focused approach. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2006;73 (Suppl 1):S62. http://ccjm.org/content/73/Suppl_1/S62.full.pdf.
- Poirier P, et al. Bariatric Surgery and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2011; 123: 1683-1701. Weight Loss Surgery. DukeHealth.org. http://www.dukehealth.org/services/weight_loss_surgery/care_guides/bariatric_surgery_diet_manual/the....
