Benefits and Risks

Thanks to bariatric surgery, thousands of people have experienced a tremendous improvement in their overall health, wellbeing and outlook on life.  However, each individual needs to consider both the benefits and potential risks.  Listed below are both benefits and risks all patients should be aware of before choosing bariatric surgery.

Benefits

• Significant, sustained weight loss
• Immediate improvement of Type 2 diabetes with diabetics who have had diabetes less than 5 years
• Lowered blood pressure/hypertension
• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Lowered cholesterol
• Reduced sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
• Improved breathing
• Relief from acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Reduced osteoarthritis pain and improved mobility
• Improved mood and self-esteem

Risks

Despite its benefits, gastric bypass is a serious procedure and bears risks.  These may include:

• Loosening of the line of staples used to create the pouch, pouch stretching or leakage.  If leakage occurs, an internal infection can occur from the digestive juices entering the body cavity.
• Dumping syndrome can occur when the stomach’s contents move through the small intestine too rapidly.
• Wound infection, although greatly reduced with laparoscopic surgery, is possible at incision sites.
• Hernias can occur if the abdominal wall becomes weakened, however hernias are rare with the laparoscopic approach.
• Gallstones and/or gallbladder disease can develop due to the body’s rapid weight loss.
• Blood clots can occur.  In order to avoid this problem, the patient receives blood-thinners, wears special compression cuffs during and after surgery, and begins taking walks in the evening of surgery.
• Vitamin deficiencies can occur, but can be prevented by taking daily vitamin supplements.  Periodic lab testing ensures appropriate vitamin intake.
• As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of death.