Gastric bypass surgery may be a good option for those individuals who have suffered from morbid obesity for several years. While this surgery can be an excellent weight loss option, the best results will only be achieved if there are lifestyle changes made, such as proper diet and exercise. Patients that don't stick to a healthier lifestyle may experience more complications than those who make the needed changes. Because gastric bypass is major surgery, there are risks involved, and though rare, some can be quite serious.
Serious Risks of Bypass Surgery
Certainly the most serious risk to consider with gastric bypass surgery is the possibility of death. Statistics show that 1 patient in 200 will die due to complications from bypass surgery. Certain factors can affect this risk of death; age and general health patient are examples.
Blood clots pose another serious risk to patients. Overweight individuals have a higher risk of blood clots occurring in the legs. If these blood clots travel to the lungs, a serious condition can occur that is known as a pulmonary embolism. This condition can damage lungs and lead to death. Patients will, often times be given blood thinners and compression hose to help circulation after surgery.
A leak occurring at one of the staple lines is another potential risk. Antibiotics can be used to treat this complication and in most cases they will heal on their own. The leak can become very serious requiring emergency surgery.
Other Possible Weight Surgery Complications
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are sometimes a problem after having gastric bypass surgery. It is very important to take supplements as prescribed. Left untreated, vitamin deficiencies can cause serious health risks. Dehydration, stomach ulcers and kidney stones, are all other possible risks with bypass surgery.
Dumping syndrome is a common complication arising from gastric bypass surgery. This syndrome takes place when food particles move to quickly through the small intestine. This causes dizziness, vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea.
When considering any weight loss surgery it is important to find an experienced bariatric surgeon and quality bariatric treatment center. Finding the right professionals can help reduce risks.
Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery
After taking a look at the risks and potential complications of gastric bypass, it is important to take a look at the benefits as well.
Over the long term, gastric bypass surgery lowers the risk of premature death; this seems to be especially true in patients under 40. Another big benefit to consider is the fast weight loss that is directly related to this surgery. Most patients lose between 50% and 80% of their excess body weight in the first year. It is not uncommon for patients to lose around 20% of the excess body weight within 2 months of having the surgery. Most patients also experience an improvement in weight related, health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Patients who lose a significant amount of weight, experience health improvements in back and joint pain, sleep apnea and high cholesterol.
