Risks of Weight loss surgery

As with all surgeries, weight loss procedures carry both operative and long-term health risks. While complications are rare, patients should be aware of the potential risks so that they can make a fully educated decision when choosing weight loss surgery.

Patients who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for complications related to anaesthetics. The surgeons are highly trained and should not have difficulty dealing with complications associated with anaesthetics, but there is a small chance that it could be hazardous to the patient’s health.

Bleeding, blood clots, and infections, are all possible health risks associated with weight loss surgery. Gastric side effects could include nausea, vomiting, vitamin deficiencies, reflux, and leakage.

Another potential risk is failure to lose weight. While in most cases weight loss surgery is successful, there are rare circumstances that may cause the surgery to fail. Patients may also hold unrealistic expectations of weight loss. Disappointing results can be a potential risk of weight loss surgery.

One reason weight loss surgery may fail is that the stomach is a flexible organ and is capable of stretching over time. Patients who repeatedly overfill their stomach may experiencing a stretching of their stomach which allows them to eat larger portions of food. Patients who are willing to follow a diet and eat in moderation will generally not have problems with stomach stretching.

Many patients are concerned with cosmetic complications related to the procedures. As with all surgeries, scars are a possibility. Most of the scars associated with weight loss procedures are small and will fade over time, however, some people may find that they scar more easily.

Excess skin is another potential risk which is caused by dramatic weight loss. Cosmetic surgery is recommend to those who want tighter, more attractive skin.
Each weight loss surgery carries its own specific health risks. A potential risk associated with gastric banding is band slippage. This is generally caused by overeating and can cause abdominal discomfort and vomiting.

Another procedure specific health risk is vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This is a risk associated with gastric bypass and is caused by the re-routing of the small intestine. The body’s ability to properly absorb food is inhibited, which can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Patients can generally avoid deficiency by taking the dietary supplements agreed upon by their surgeon.

As with all surgeries, there is a minor risk of death. Surgeons and the specialist team will help patients weigh the benefits and risks associated with weight loss procedures.