The complications of bariatric surgery and how to overcome them

Bariatric surgery is an umbrella term for surgical procedures for weight loss, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band, or gastric bypass. These procedures alter the digestive system to help sustain and encourage weight loss for obesity, and patients will have to permanently adjust their lifestyle and diet in order to maintain the results of the procedure and avoid complications. We spoke to an experienced bariatric surgeon, who told us all about the unlikely risks in bariatric surgery and how they can be handled.

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

As with any major surgery, there are risks that are important to consider before bariatric surgery, even though the chances of them occurring are low.

Some complications of bariatric surgery are:

• Blood clots (namely deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism)
• Wound infection
• Shifting of the gastric band
• Leaking in the gut
• Obstruction in the gut
• Malnutrition
• Gallstones
• Excess skin

Gallstones and excess skin are hardly dangerous and are easily addressed, but conditions like blood clots, leakage, and blockage can be deadly without being seen by physicians.

Some efforts can be made before the procedure in order to minimise risks during and post-surgery. Patients are encouraged to stop smoking, eat healthier, lower their blood pressure, and engage in more physical fitness so that their body is in optimal condition for surgery.

What are the short-term complications?

Blood clots will start in the lower leg (DVT) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and will cause swelling and pain in the area of the clot. These can be addressed by anticoagulant medications.

If after a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach may begin to leak as it adjusts post-procedure, and can begin to leak which will cause an infection in the stomach that will need antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor. Sometimes the band of a gastric band can slip out of place and cause acid reflux, which over a period of time could develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and this can only be corrected by further surgery to reset or remove the gastric band.

What are the long-term complications?

Post-surgery measures that can be taken in order to ensure the long-lasting success of the procedure are continuing to eat a healthy diet, with food chewed thoroughly and cut up into small pieces so that blockage in the gastroesophageal blockage is avoided. Patients of bariatric surgeries are prone to becoming malnourished so maintaining a consistent and nutritious diet is key.

Patients of bariatric surgeries are meant to go to frequent checkups for the rest of their lives to monitor their condition and to ensure that everything is healing as expected. The appointments will involve blood tests, physical exams, and the dispersion of information and resources regarding healthy eating and living.

If you are considering bariatric surgery or are struggling with obesity, book an appointment with a specialist via Top Doctors.