Bariatric Surgery: Benefits and Risks
Weight loss surgery is not an option for everyone. At UPMC, we work with each individual to assess his or her personal situation to be sure surgery is the most appropriate option. As with any surgery, bariatric surgery carries with it serious risks in addition to the inherent benefits.
Benefits
- improved health
Weight reduction surgery may improve many conditions including:
sleep apnea
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
diabetes
- rapid weight loss
Immediately following surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months after the procedure. However, some patients are unable to adjust their eating habits and fail to lose the desired weight. In all weight loss operations, successful results depend on the patient’s motivation and behavior modifications.
- improved mood
Many patients report less depression and an overall improvement in social and emotional functioning.
- improved quality of life
Most patients have more energy and can be more active.
Risks
Bariatric surgery is elective surgery. It's important for those who wish to undergo this type of surgery to thoroughly understand the many risks associated with it.
The more extensive the gastric bypass operation, the greater the risk for complications and nutritional deficiencies. Patients with extensive bypasses of the normal digestive process require not only close monitoring, but also lifelong use of special foods and medications.
Below is a list of risks and complications associated with gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable band surgery. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
Serious Risks and Complications
- death
- surgical:
perforation of stomach or intestines or leakage
internal bleeding
gastric band slippage, erosion, deflation
obstruction of stomach, dilation of esophagus
port malposition, infection, breakage
wound infection/skin separation
incisional hernia
spleen or other organ injury
gastric pouch/anastomotic obstruction or bowel obstruction
- pulmonary:
pneumonia
respiratory insufficiency
blood clots in legs or lungs
- cardiac:
heart attack
irregular heart beats
stroke
Other Risks and Complications That May Become Serious
- chronic nausea and vomiting
- inability to eat certain foods
- vitamin/iron deficiency
- protein/calorie malnutrition not related to mechanical problems
- acid reflux
- stomach/intestine ulceration
- gallstones (risk increases with rapid or substantial weight loss)
- weight gain/failure to lose weight
Pregnancy
Women of childbearing age are advised to avoid pregnancy for 18-24 months following surgery and until their weight has stabilized. Rapid weight loss and nutrition deficiencies can harm a developing fetus.