Benefits and Risks

The benefits of weight-loss surgery

Morbid obesity does lead to a shorter life, lower quality of life, and many life-threatening health problems, known as co-morbidities. [Link to Medical problems related to obesity.] These include: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, joint problems, increased risk of cancer, and more.

With bariatric surgery treatment, there is a better chance for good health and a longer life. One clinical study shows that gastric bypass surgery decreases the 10-year death rate by 40%.

The risks

Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will explain to you all the risks of the Roux-en-Y and LAP-BAND procedures, as well as the impact on your future lifestyle.

1. Death

2. Potentially Serious Complications

• Surgical:
  • Perforation of stomach/intestine or leakage, causing peritonitis or abscess.
  • Internal bleeding requiring transfusion.
  • Severe wound infection – opening of the wound – incisional hernia.
  • Spleen injury requiring removal/other organ injury.
  • Bowel obstruction.
• Pulmonary:
  • Pneumonia – atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue) – fluid in chest.
  • Respiratory insufficiency – pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs).
  • Blood clots in legs and/or lungs (embolism).
• Cardiovascular:
  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack) – congestive heart failure.
  • Arrhythmias (irregular heart beats).
  • Stroke (cerebrovascular accident, CVA).
• Kidney and liver:
  • Acute kidney failure.
  • Liver failure – hepatitis (may progress to cirrhosis).
• Psychosocial:
  • Anorexia nervosa – bulimia.
  • Postoperative depression – dysfunctional social problems.
  • Psychosis.

3. Other complications (may become serious)

• Minor wound or skin infection/scarring, deformity, loose skin.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Allergic reactions to drugs or medications.
• Vomiting or nausea/inability to eat certain foods/improper eating.
• Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) – acid reflux (heartburn).
• Low sodium, potassium, or blood sugar – low blood pressure.
• Problems with the outlet of the stomach (narrowing or stretching).
• Anemia – metabolic deficiency (iron, vitamins, minerals) – temporary hair loss.
• Constipation – diarrhea – bloating – cramping – malodorous stool or flatus.
• Development of gallstones or gallbladder disease.
• Stomach or outlet ulcers (peptic ulcer).
• Staple-line disruption – weight gain – failure to lose satisfactory weight.
• Penetration of foreign material (e.g. band, ring) inside the stomach.
• Intolerance to refined sugars (dumping), with nausea, sweating, weakness.
• Stenosis of pouch anastomosis