Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Like any surgery, gastric bypass procedures such as Roux-en-Y, mini gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion surgery involve a certain amount of risk. Even when performed by a competent surgeon, complications may arise and, in a small percentage of cases, the procedure can result in death. Although the risks that are associated with the Roux-en-Y procedure can be reduced with the laparoscopic technique, these weight loss procedures are not the best option for all patients. In this blog post, the staff at our Santo Domingo bariatric surgery practice reviews the risks of gastric bypass surgery.

• Dumping syndrome, which results in diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Excessive bleeding
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Blood clots
• Lung or breathing problems
• Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
• Bowel obstruction
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Stomach perforation
• Ulcers in 5 to 15 percent of cases
• The development of a hernia
• The loosening of surgical staples
• An enlargement of the bypassed stomach, resulting in bloating and hiccups
• A narrowing of the connections between the stomach and the intestines, leading to nausea and vomiting; this can occur for from 5 to 15 percent of patients
• An iron and vitamin B12 deficiency; about 50 percent of those who experience an iron deficiency develop anemia
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Because the Roux-en-Y procedure involves bypassing a portion of the small intestine, certain risks are present as a result of possible nutritional deficiencies. These risks can include anemia; a deficiency of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues; and osteoporosis, which causes bones to become thin and brittle.
• Infection: A risk that can occur after gastric bypass surgery, or any other type of weight loss surgery, includes an infection at the surgical site. In addition, if there is leakage from the stomach or small intestine after weight loss surgery, the abdominal wall may become affected.
• Gallstones: About one-third of all weight loss surgery patients develop gallstones. In some cases, the gallbladder will be removed as part of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. If it is not, we may recommend that use of medication to prevent gallstones from developing.
• Death: A 2002 study found that the mortality rate associated with gastric bypass surgery is less than 1.5 percent. Your surgeon will help you carefully weigh these risks in relation to the potential health benefits of gastric bypass surgery.
• As these potential risks demonstrate, the Roux-en-Y procedure is a serious surgical undertaking that must be carefully considered. These risks must be assessed before committing to the life-long change that gastric bypass surgery entails. However, for many, this widely used weight loss procedure provides life-changing benefits, including improved overall health and a greater sense of well being. If you are considering gastric bypass surgery, it is best to start by speaking to a qualified surgeon to determine the specific risks you might face.

At the Center for Advanced Medicine, we offer several weight loss surgery procedures. If you are interested in undergoing gastric bypass or gastric plication in Santo Domingo, contact our practice today.