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Risks of Surgery
As with any surgery, there are potential risks to consider. Although death and major surgical complications are infrequent, some problems require additional surgery or hospitalization. Ask your surgeon to explain the specific risks of the procedure planned for you. The most commonly occurring complications associated with bariatric surgery are as follows:
• Leak - Seepage of digestive fluid from a hole in the gastric band or along any of the staple or suture lines
• Bowel obstruction - Blockage in the small intestine passageways
• Pulmonary embolus - A blood clot which forms in the pelvis or lower extremity, breaks loose and travels to the lungs
• Other pulmonary problems - Inadequate breathing or pneumonia
Pulmonary complications frequently occur in patients who smoke and therefore are avoidable.
• Wound infection - Thick layers of abdominal wall fat tissue are less able to fight infection from bacteria that may enter through incisions.
• Splenectomy - Since the spleen is close to the stomach, uncontrollable bleeding from adhesions or trauma may necessitate its removal.
• Incisional hernia - Inadequate wound healing may need later surgical repair.
• Stricture/esophagitis - Irritation or narrowing in the gastric pouch or its outlet. If this occurs, a gastroenterologist may need to use an instrument called an endoscope to stretch the stricture.
• Gallstones - Symptomatic gallbladder disease may require its removal
• Vitamin/mineral deficiency - Inadequate amounts of iron, calcium, or B12 may be corrected by oral supplementation or injections.
• Pancreatitis - Infection of the pancreas.
• Band slippage – The gastric band may move from its proper position requiring additional surgery or removal.
• Band erosion – The gastric band may wear down and imbed itself in the stomach wall requiring additional surgery or removal.
• Port site infection/hernia – The area around the gastric band port may heal inadequately or become infected. Additional hospitalization or surgery may be required.
Other Concerns
• Hair loss - inadequate amounts of protein in the post-surgical diet can contribute to temporary hair loss.
• Complications with pregnancy and childbirth - women are strictly advised to use effective birth control* methods for at least 12 months after weight loss surgery to avoid problems with fetal development. Gastric band patients who become pregnant will be evaluated for band tightness or continued band placement.
*Obesity is often associated with infertility. 1 Women who’ve had trouble conceiving prior to surgery, may in fact, become fertile after significant weight loss.
• Excessive skin - some patients may develop irritations or other problems related to saggy, redundant skin after dramatic weight loss. This may require surgical removal, commonly from regions of the abdomen, upper arms, breasts, and thighs.
• Nausea/vomiting - food intolerances may occur
• Lactose intolerance - Unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and abdominal discomfort may develop after dairy consumption
• Weight regain - Patients who do not adhere to the guidelines recommended for proper nutrition, regular exercise, and behavior change are at risk for weight regain