It
is important to understand that all surgeries carry a risk of complications, and bariatric procedures are no exception. We pride ourselves on educating our patients about the possible risks of bariatric surgery. We believe that individuals
should be able to make informed decisions regarding care.
Here are some statistics:
The risk of death is about 0.5 percent, as documented in the National Bariatric Surgery Registry.
Complications can be divided into two categories: those specific to the bariatric procedure and those common to any major abdominal surgery.
After bariatric surgery, complications are not limited to but may include the following:
Stricture (partial closing) of the surgically created anastomosis (0.5 percent)
Disruption of the suture line with leaks or abscesses (1 percent)
Peritonitis, or inflammation of the abdominal lining (1 percent)
Injury to spleen during surgery or a major hemorrhage (1.5 percent)
It is important to recognize that disruption of the suture line can occur due to overfilling the pouch. This occurs from eating past the point of being satisfied. Overfilling can cause the stomach to stretch and the sutures to pull
apart. This can cause leakage or failure of the operation. It is extremely important to avoid fibrous foods for the first six weeks after surgery; the stomach and the intestines cannot digest these foods properly. Food that cannot
be easily digested sits in the stomach and can form a mass, called a bezoar. The body resorts to severe vomiting in an effort to expel the undigested food. This violent vomiting can cause disruption to the suture line, as well.
After any abdominal surgery, complications are not limited to but may include the following:
Anesthetic complications (0.1 percent)
Stroke or heart attack (0.1 percent)
Marginal ulcer or obstruction (1 percent)
Intestinal obstruction (1 percent)
Respiratory complications (1 percent)
Wound dehiscence (1 percent)
Incisional hernia (10 percent)
.