Eight Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

Written by Jane Long

Before you undergo any major surgical procedure, it is incumbent upon the doctor to make sure you understand all of the risks, as opposed to the benefits. Especially if it is an elective procedure, you need to know exactly what to expect if things go well, and what to expect if things do not go as planned. For example, if you already suffer from health problems related to your weight, you will also have a greater chance for complications. Although there are many more, you should be aware of at least eight risks of weight loss surgery.

Not only will you need to be made aware of potential complications during bariatric weight loss surgery, but you will also need to know how to recognize signs of problems during recovery. Because you are already overweight and have reached the point to qualify for weight loss surgery, you most likely already have serious health concerns that can lead to problems. Your health is already fragile, so you need to pay attention to your body and recognize when something is wrong.Gastrointestinal Leaks

As with any surgery related to your digestive system, you can develop leaks that can lead to life-threatening infections and malfunctions. Basically, your digestive tract needs to be water tight. From entrance to exit, nothing that enters your mouth or flows through the digestive process should leak into any other cavity or organ. If it does, you can be in big trouble.

Of course, the doctor will double and triple check all of the potential connections that have been altered and sewn back together. However, you could heal incorrectly, something could rupture, or maybe a stitch was not tight enough to withstand the digestive system starting to work again.

Gastric Distention

In approximately 1% of gastric bypass surgery patients, the portion of the stomach that has been bypassed will become distended and start to leak. If this happens, a drainage tube will have to be inserted, to give the fluids a safe outlet.

Blood Clots

Anyone who experiences major surgery will be at risk for potential blood clots. But, if mobility has become an issue, because of your excess weight, it will be of special concern. For this reason, some bariatric surgeons will deny patients because the risk to their life far outweighs the expected benefits of weight loss surgery. So, the doctor may suggest other health measure to reduce your weight to a safer level, before performing the procedure.

Heart Problems

If you are considering gastric bypass, you have probably already come to the realization that your heart has to work extra hard to keep your body functioning. Unfortunately, surgery is not an immediate fix. In fact, the procedure will put added stress on your cardiovascular system. You might suffer from an irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure-when fluid builds up around your heart, or even a heart attack. As you lose the weight and become healthier, you heart should follow suit. But for now, your heart has a big job.

Infection

Infection is a big concern with any operation. It is not something to be ignored; nor will it go away on its own. If you have an infection, the wound may have to be drained and the doctor will put you on strong antibiotics to heal the wound. You will be made aware of the signs of infection. It will be up to you to pay attention to your body and check for any problems, until you are completely healed.

Stricture

A stricture can be a very serious health concern. It is usually cause by scar tissue where the new stomach has been fashioned and things have been rerouted. It can prevent you from retaining any food. Instead of entering the new stomach and being sent through you new digestive system, it will come back up. If the doctor suspects a stricture, a scope will be used to go down to your stomach. Known as an endoscopy, a camera will have a look to find the source of your problem.

If dilation can improve digestion, it may have to be done several times to correct the problem. If the stricture is more serious, additional surgery may be required.

Dehydration

Especially in the beginning, dehydration can become a real problem. It will likely be difficult to drink the recommended daily amount of liquid to be healthy, at first. If your urine is dark, you are not eliminating often enough, or you are constipated, it could be a sign that you are not drinking enough. You might even become lightheaded and faint. You will have to follow directions and force yourself, if necessary, to give your body the liquid it needs.

Gastric Prolapse

If you have chosen the option to have a band placed on your stomach, there is a chance that it can slip. If this happens, you will start throwing up and you will not even be able to keep liquids down. You will need to call the doctor immediate, if this happens.

So, now you know at least eight risks of weight loss surgery you will need to watch for during recovery, and even beyond. You will simply have to become aware of your body and know when things are not working as they should. None of these things may ever happen, but if they do, you will be prepared to act.