Bariatric Surgery Risks and Benefits

As with any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery has both benefits and risks. If you're not morbidly obese, bariatric surgery risks far outweigh the expected health benefits of weight loss.

The team at the UPMC Bariatric Surgery Center works with you to make sure weight loss surgery is the best option for you.

Bariatric Surgery Benefits

  • Weight loss — Immediately following procedures, most people lose weight rapidly and continue to do so for 18 to 36.
  • Improved health — Weight loss surgery may improve many obesity-related health conditions, including:
    • Diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Sleep apnea
  • Improved mood and quality of life — After weight loss procedures, many people report decreased depression and an overall improvement in social and emotional well-being. Most have more energy and more active lifestyles.

Read how bariatric surgery changed the lives of real UPMC patients.

Bariatric Surgery Risks

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your bariatric surgeon will explain all potential risks and complications in detail and answer any questions.

Some risks of bariatric surgical procedures include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Anesthesia-related risks
  • Chronic nausea and vomiting
  • Dilation of esophagus
  • Inability to eat certain foods
  • Infection
  • Obstruction of stomach
  • Weight gain or failure to lose weight

Overview of Bariatric Surgery Risks by Procedure

Risks vary by procedure. The following list is not all-inclusive. Your bariatric surgeon will make sure you understand the risks and complications of your specific procedure.

Risks Procedures
  Gastric Bypass Laparoscopic Adjustable 
Gastric Band

Gastric
Sleeve

Band slippage, erosion, deflation   X  
Blood clots     X
Breakage X X  
Dumping syndrome X    
Gallstones (risk increases with rapid or
substantial weight loss)		 X    
Hernia X X  
Internal bleeding or profuse bleeding of the
surgical wound		 X    
Leakage X   X
Perforation of stomach or intestines X    
Port malposition   X  
Pouch/anastomotic obstruction or bowel
obstruction		 X    
Protein or calorie malnutrition X    
Pulmonary and/or cardiac problems X    
Skin separation   X  
Spleen or other organ injury X    
Stomach or intestine ulceration X    
Vitamin or iron deficiency X    

Reducing Your Bariatric Surgery Risks

You can help lower some of the risks by:

Our Presurgical Lifestyle Program can help you prepare for bariatric surgery.

 

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