Bariatric Surgery - Risks and Posible Side Effects

Bariatric Surgery may have the following risks and posible side effects:

• Vomiting
• Dumping syndrome
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Gallstones
• Need to avoid pregnancy temporarily
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas, and dizziness

As with any surgery, there are immediate and long-term complications and risks. Your healthcare team can speak with you further about the benefits and risks. Possible risks can include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding (To control operative bleeding, removal of the spleen may be necessary.)
• Complications due to anesthesia and medications
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together)
• Infections
• Leaks from staple lines
• Marginal ulcers
• Pulmonary problems
• Spleen injury(To control operative bleeding, removal of the spleen may be necessary.)
• Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve)
• Death

According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery 2004 Consensus Statement, the operative morbidity (complications) associated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the hands of a skilled surgeon is roughly 5 percent and the operative mortality (death) is roughly 0.5 percent. For Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding the same consensus statement reported that in the hands of skilled surgeons, the operative morbidity is approximately 5 percent and operative mortality is approximately 0.1 percent.