Bariatric Surgery: Possible Risks and Complications
Deciding on bariatric surgery can be difficult. This is major surgery. If you qualify for bariatric surgery, you need to think about the possible risks and complications of having this surgery. Make sure you know what to expect after surgery, too. You need to be willing to change your lifestyle for the rest of your life. And your body may change greatly in the years after surgery.
“My family’s worried about my health—and so am I. I’m going to discuss bariatric surgery with them and with my doctor, and consider all my options.”
As with any surgery, bariatric surgery has certain risks. These can include:
Infection
Leaks or blockage at a site where tissue is sewn or stapled together (anastomosis), requiring further procedures to repair
Breathing problems, such as pneumonia, which may require ventilation
Bleeding at an incision site
Blood clot in the legs or lungs
Injury to the spleen
Recurrent vomiting that requires a procedure to stop the problem
Incisional hernia
Problems from anesthesia
Death
Ongoing Concerns After Surgery
After surgery, your body may not absorb all the nutrients it needs, making malnutrition more likely. Vitamin and mineral supplements are needed to prevent this.
Dehydration is more likely after surgery. You must take care to drink enough liquids each day.
Temporary hair loss is a common side effect of this surgery.
Loose folds of skin are common when a large amount of weight is lost. Extra skin can be surgically removed when your weight has stabilized.