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Bariatric Surgery Risks, Complications and Side Effects

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will explain all potential bariatric surgery complications, both short and long term, and answer any questions.

What Are the Most Common Post-Op Risks and Side Effects Associated with Bariatric Surgery?

Some bariatric surgery risks 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

Bariatric Surgery Long-Term Risks

Bariatric surgery carries some long-term risks for patients, including:

  • Dumping syndrome, a condition that can lead to symptoms like nausea and dizziness
  • Low blood sugar
  • Malnutrition
  • Vomiting
  • Ulcers
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Hernias

Overview of Bariatric Surgery Risks and Complications by Procedure

Risks and side effects vary by bariatric procedure. The following list is not all-inclusive, but briefly outlines risks of gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, and gastric sleeve. Your bariatric surgeon will make sure you understand the risks and complications of your specific procedure.

Risks​

Bariatric ​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    X
Hernia X X  X
Internal bleeding or profuse bleeding of the
surgical wound		 X    X
Leakage X   X
Perforation of stomach or intestines X    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 X  X
Spleen or other organ injury X    
Stomach or intestine ulceration X    
​Stricture ​X ​ ​X
Vitamin o​​r iron deficienc​​y X    X​

Reducing Your Bariatric Surgery Risks

You can help lower some of the risks and possible side effects by:

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

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