Common Complications of Weight Loss Surgery

All surgeries have risks, and gastric bypass surgery is no exception.

A recent study of Medicaid patients found the rate of serious complications, including death, to be far higher than previously recognized. Risks can be reduced (but not eliminated), by having your surgery performed at a fully approved ASBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE).

The most common form of weight loss surgery is the Roux-en-Y. In this procedure the surgeon reduces the size of the stomach and redirects a portion of the upper intestinal tract. This is the type of surgery most people are referring to when they mention a "gastric bypass." It has been reported that both Al Roker and Carnie Wilson had this procedure.

Another form of surgery that is more popular in Europe than the United States is called a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure, or LAP-BAND® system. This procedure creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach, and an adjustable opening to the lower portion of the stomach. In this type of procedure, the patient's intestines are not rerouted. Ann Wilson, the lead singer of the rock band Heart, chose this procedure to help her lose weight.

The gastric bypass procedure has a higher initial average rate of weight loss, and a higher incidence of complications, than the gastric banding procedure. However, both types of surgery will help most people lose weight, and they both have their risks.

Among the more common complications and side effects of weight loss surgeries are:

"Dumping Syndrome"

The dumping syndrome is most common in gastric bypass surgeries, and is rarely experienced by gastric banding patients. After surgery, patients often have difficulty tolerating sugary foods, or foods high in fat, including red meat. If these foods are eaten, even in small quantities, the patient will experience nausea, bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Potatoes can also trigger this syndrome. Although the symptoms are very uncomfortable, the dumping syndrome may actually help post-surgical patients stick with their healthy diet by making it impossible to eat high-calorie foods loaded with simple carbs.

Dumping syndrome is most common during the first year, but will never completely go away for gastric bypass patients.

Blood Clots

Studies have shown that blood clots in the legs occur in about 0.2% of Roux-en-Y patients. Blood thinners are usually given to post-operative patients, and compression stockings may be suggested. Walking soon after surgery is also important, as it is after any type of surgery. Patients are asked to contact their doctor if they notice any unusual swelling in their legs, or shortness of breath.

Leakage

Approximately 1% of gastric bypass patients will experience leakage of foods from the stomach into the abdominal cavity. This is a serious complication, so post-operative patients are carefully monitored, and they will be restricted to a water fast until the surgeon is convinced that all is well. If leakage is observed, the patient will need to go back to the operating room.

Gallstones

Gallstones and gall bladder infections are common when anyone begins to lose weight quickly. This problem is not confined to surgical patients - people on low-calorie diets should also contact a doctor immediately if they experience the symptoms of gallstones. Gallstones are made up of cholesterol and bile salts. It is believed that rapid weight loss temporarily increases the amount of cholesterol released into the bloodstream for removal by the gallbladder. Symptoms of gallstones may include any one or more of the following:

* Severe pain in the upper abdomen
* Pain in the upper back
* Pain under the right shoulder
* Nausea or vomiting
* Abdominal bloating
* Recurring intolerance of fatty foods
* Heartburn that lasts longer than expected

Gallstones can be quite dangerous if not treated early enough, so anyone who is losing weight quickly should seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms.

Other less common complications may also occur, including nutritional deficiencies, infections, and even death. If you're considering gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery you should discuss all possible complications with your surgeon, so you can be prepared for any abnormality. This will help make sure you recognize any problem that may occur and seek immediate medical care.