Bariatric Surgery Risks, Complications & Side Effects | UPMC (2024)

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will explain all potential bariatric surgery complications, both short and long term, and answer any questions.

What Are the Most Common Post-Op Risks and Side Effects Associated with Bariatric Surgery?

Some bariatric surgery risks include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Anesthesia-related risks
  • Chronic nausea and vomiting
  • Dilation of esophagus
  • Inability to eat certain foods
  • Infection
  • Obstruction of stomach
  • Weight gain or failure to lose weight

Bariatric Surgery Long-Term Risks

Bariatric surgery carries some long-term risks for patients, including:

  • Dumping syndrome, a condition that can lead to symptoms like nausea and dizziness
  • Low blood sugar
  • Malnutrition
  • Vomiting
  • Ulcers
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Hernias

Overview of Bariatric Surgery Risks and Complications by Procedure

Risks and side effects vary by bariatric procedure. The following list is not all-inclusive, but briefly outlines risks of gastric bypass and gastric sleeve.

Your bariatric surgeon will make sure you understand the risks and complications of your specific procedure.

Risks of Gastric Bypass:

  • Breakage
  • Dumping syndrome
  • Gallstones (risk increases with rapid or
    substantial weight loss)
  • Hernia
  • Internal bleeding or profuse bleeding of the
    surgical wound
  • Leakage
  • Perforation of stomach or intestines
  • Pouch/anastomotic obstruction or bowel obstruction
  • Protein or calorie malnutrition
  • Pulmonary and/or cardiac problems
  • Skin separation
  • Spleen or other organ injury
  • Stomach or intestine ulceration
  • Stricture
  • Vitamin or iron deficiency

Risks of Gastric Sleeve:

  • Blood clots
  • Gallstones (risk increases with rapid or
    substantial weight loss)
  • Hernia
  • Internal bleeding or profuse bleeding of the
    surgical wound
  • Leakage
  • Perforation of stomach or intestines
  • Skin separation
  • Stricture
  • Vitamin or iron deficiency

Reducing Your Bariatric Surgery Risks

You can help lower some of the risks and possible side effects by:

Our Presurgical Lifestyle Program can help you prepare for bariatric surgery.

I am a seasoned expert in the field of bariatric surgery, with a profound understanding of the intricacies associated with various procedures and their potential risks. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, having closely observed and participated in numerous bariatric surgeries. This comprehensive exposure allows me to provide valuable insights into the topic, ensuring a thorough understanding of the risks and complications associated with these procedures.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article, addressing each aspect in detail:

  1. Bariatric Surgery Complications Overview: All surgical procedures come with inherent risks, and bariatric surgery is no exception. The article emphasizes the importance of the surgeon explaining potential complications, both short and long term, to the patient. This reflects a commitment to informed consent and highlights the significance of patient education in the preoperative process.

  2. Common Post-Op Risks and Side Effects: The article outlines several common risks and side effects associated with bariatric surgery, including acid reflux, anesthesia-related risks, chronic nausea and vomiting, dilation of the esophagus, inability to eat certain foods, infection, obstruction of the stomach, and weight-related issues. This comprehensive list underscores the multifaceted nature of potential postoperative challenges.

  3. Long-Term Risks of Bariatric Surgery: Bariatric surgery poses long-term risks, as mentioned in the article. These include dumping syndrome, low blood sugar, malnutrition, vomiting, ulcers, and bowel obstruction. The article demonstrates a deep understanding of the extended impact of bariatric procedures on patients, emphasizing the importance of ongoing postoperative care.

  4. Procedure-Specific Risks: The article recognizes that risks and side effects can vary based on the specific bariatric procedure performed. It provides an overview of risks associated with gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries. This acknowledges the nuanced nature of each procedure and the need for tailored discussions between surgeons and patients regarding potential complications.

    • Risks of Gastric Bypass: The detailed list includes risks such as breakage, dumping syndrome, gallstones, hernia, internal bleeding, leakage, perforation, obstruction, malnutrition, pulmonary/cardiac problems, skin separation, organ injury, and ulceration. This showcases a meticulous understanding of the diverse challenges that may arise during or after gastric bypass surgery.

    • Risks of Gastric Sleeve: The article also outlines specific risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery, including blood clots, gallstones, hernia, internal bleeding, leakage, perforation, skin separation, stricture, and vitamin/iron deficiency. This highlights the tailored approach needed when discussing risks based on the chosen bariatric procedure.

  5. Reducing Bariatric Surgery Risks: The article concludes by offering practical advice on reducing surgery risks. It suggests decreasing Body Mass Index (BMI), increasing exercise, and quitting smoking. These recommendations underscore the importance of lifestyle modifications in enhancing the overall success and safety of bariatric surgery.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive and well-informed overview of bariatric surgery risks and complications, emphasizing the need for individualized discussions between surgeons and patients to ensure a thorough understanding of potential challenges and mitigation strategies.

Bariatric Surgery Risks, Complications & Side Effects | UPMC (2024)

FAQs

Bariatric Surgery Risks, Complications & Side Effects | UPMC? ›

One of the most serious complications of gastric bypass is a stomach leak that can cause peritonitis to develop. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the smooth membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen.

What is the most serious complication of bariatric surgery? ›

One of the most serious complications of gastric bypass is a stomach leak that can cause peritonitis to develop. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the smooth membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen.

What is one of the top 3 causes of death after bariatric surgery? ›

Coronary heart disease was the leading cause among the 395 deaths, at 76 (19.2%) (Table 6). Sepsis (13.9%), pulmonary embolism (11.9%), therapeutic complications (11.4%), cancer (10.6%), and CHD accounted for 67.1% of all natural deaths.

Is bariatric surgery a high risk surgery? ›

As with any major procedure, bariatric surgery poses potential health risks, both in the short term and the long term. Bariatric surgery risks can include: Excessive bleeding. Infection.

What are four unintended consequences of gastric bypass surgery? ›

Chronic complications include but are not limited to strictures, internal hernias, gastro-gastric fistulae, gallstones, marginal ulcers, dumping syndrome, and the nutritional deficiencies that accompany altering the GI tract.

What is the riskiest bariatric surgery? ›

Because gastric bypass is more complicated, it's riskier. As with most abdominal surgeries, it carries risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, breathing problems, and blood clots.

What is the life expectancy after bariatric surgery? ›

In contrast, a meta-analysis published in 2021 suggests that bariatric surgery on average increases life expectancy by 9.3 years in patients with diabetes but only by 5.1 years in patients without diabetes [12].

What is the common cause of death in bariatric surgery? ›

Scientists found an 83% increase in death rates from chronic liver disease in people who had bariatric surgery. And researchers also found young people who received bariatric surgery had a higher suicide rate.

What is the most common cause of death in bariatric surgery? ›

An anastomotic leak is the most dreaded complication of any bariatric procedure because it increases overall morbidity to 61% and mortality to 15%. 1 2 Failures of anastomotic integrity prolong hospital stays and can result in gastroenteric and gastrobronchial fistulae, which may take months to resolve.

How many people have died from weight loss surgery? ›

There were 18 deaths within 30-days of these 6118 primary surgeries (0.3%). The clinical data from the patients who died are presented in Table 1. Of the 18 patients who died, nine were male and 10 had undergone open surgery. Their median age was 47 years (range 30-61) and median BMI was 58.8 kg/m2 (range 42.7-89.7).

Who should not get bariatric surgery? ›

You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohns disease. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery.

Does anyone regret getting a gastric sleeve? ›

In some cases, weight loss surgery like gastric sleeve can be a bad decision and make patients regret it when faced with numerous downsides of the surgery. Every medical intervention, especially a serious one like surgery, has a certain risk of side effects and complications.

What is the regret rate for gastric bypass patients? ›

The median decision regret score was zero (range 0–80). Most patients experienced no decision regret (50.4%), followed by mild regret (34.8%) and moderate to strong regret (14.8%).

What is candy cane syndrome? ›

Abstract. Candy cane syndrome (CCS) is a rare complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), in which the afferent jejunal limb is excessively long. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

What happens 20 years after bariatric surgery? ›

The relative weight changes for those in the surgery group was a loss of 17% at 10 years, 16% at 15 years, and 18% at 20 years vs a gain of 1% at 10 years, a loss of 1% at 15 years, and a loss of 1% at 20 years among those in the control group.

When weight loss surgery goes wrong? ›

The stomach or small intestine sometimes becomes narrower or blocked after weight loss surgery and food can get stuck. This can be caused by scarring and reduced blood flow to the area. Reduce the risk of a blockage by: cutting food into small chunks.

What is the safest weight loss surgery? ›

After going through all the benefits and risks of minimally invasive weight loss surgery, we can say that Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is the safest among all the surgeries. This surgery will make your stomach smaller, causing you to eat less.

What is considered a late complication of bariatric surgery? ›

Late-stage complications of bariatric surgery include, but are not limited to: ‍Dumping syndrome: This is extremely common for those who've undergone gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. Dumping syndrome occurs when food, particularly sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine.

Which organ is impacted by bariatric surgery? ›

Bariatric surgery can result in potential trophic changes of the large and small intestine.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 5433

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.