Benefits and Risks of Bariatric Surgery
As with any surgery, bariatric surgery has both benefits and risks. If you're not morbidly obese, the risks of bariatric surgery far outweigh the expected health benefits of weight loss.
The team at UPMC's Bariatric Surgery Center works with you to make sure weight loss surgery is the best option for you.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
- Weight loss — Immediately following surgery, most people lose weight rapidly and continue to do so for 18 to 36 months after the procedure.
- 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 surgery, many people report decreased depression and an overall improvement in social and emotional well-being. Most have more energy and more active lifestyles.
See our bariatric surgery patient success stories to read benefits from real people.
Risks of Bariatric Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks. Prior to surgery, your bariatric surgeon will explain all potential risks and complications in detail and answer any questions.
Some risks of bariatric surgery 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 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.
| |
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 Risks
You can help lower some of the risks of bariatric surgery by:
Our Presurgical Lifestyle Program can help you prepare for bariatric surgery.
Additional Resources