Various Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Submitted by Nic on March 13, 2013

A gastric bypass surgery can be described as a bariatric procedure or a weight loss operation, where your digestive system is altered to limit the consumption of food or reduce the absorption of nutrients by your body.

Options like gastric bypass surgery are only recommended for people who are morbidly obese, i.e. those who have a BMI reading of over 40 and are prone to developing health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes. In case you are planning to go through this procedure for losing weight, it is absolutely essential that you set up an appointment with your doctor to carefully discuss all the advantages and possible complications of gastric bypass surgery.

Like in case of any other surgical procedure, there are a few risks associated with the gastric bypass surgery. Some of these complications are more serious than the others and you need to consider them carefully before you decide to undergo the procedure. Given below are some of the minor and more common complications of a bariatric weight loss surgery -

  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, (in reaction to excessive vomiting)
  • Infections
  • Intolerance towards certain foods like bread, pasta, red meat, broccoli and cauliflower
  • Nausea and vomiting, especially after eating too fast or taking large bites
  • Pain and discomfort in the abdominal area
  • Respiratory problems
  • Thinning of the hair (mainly in women) due to inadequate nutrition

Most of the complications mentioned above are temporary and last for no more than a few days, weeks or months after the surgery. Following the diet and self-care measures suggested by your doctor reduces the risks of these complications to a great extent. Your doctor can also prescribe over-the-counter medication to control the pain.

However, at times you may also experience certain long term complications of a gastric bypass surgery, which include -

  • Bowel obstruction
  • Dumping syndrome, which leads to diarrhea
  • Formation of gallstones
  • Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
  • Tummy perforation
  • Hernia
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Ulcers

After undergoing this procedure, some patients experience neurological complications such as -

  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Wernicke's encephalopathy
  • Myelopathy or human swayback

In some rare instances, a gastric bypass surgery could also result in death. To reduce the risks of any major complication, it is essential for a doctor to closely monitor your health and recovery for a few months after the surgery. Also make it a point to speak with your doctor immediately in case you experience odd side effects after undergoing a bariatric weight loss surgery.

References

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