Risk of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass surgery and lap band surgery, is intended for people who are 70-100 pounds or more overweight and who have not had success with other, less risky weight loss options such as diet, exercise, and medications. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater is required but in some cases, a person with a BMI of 35 or greater and one or more obesity-related health issues may be considered for bariatric surgery.

Important Considerations for Bariatric Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery or lap band surgery should not be considered until we have looked at all other options. The best approach to bariatric surgery calls for discussion of the following:

Bariatric surgery should not be thought of in any way as cosmetic surgery.
Bariatric surgery does not surgically remove adipose tissue (fat) through scraping or suction.
The patient and doctor need to discuss the benefits and risks of the surgery together.
You must commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, which are keys to the success of bariatric surgery.
You must be aware that complications after surgery may require more operations to resolve them.

Complications of Bariatric Surgery

As with any surgery, there are immediate and long-term complications and risks. Possible risks of gastric bypass surgery or lap band surgery can include, but are not limited to:

Bleeding
Complications due to anesthesia and medications
Deep vein thrombosis
Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together)*
Infections
Leaks from staple lines
Marginal ulcers
Pulmonary problems
Spleen injury*
Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve)
Death

* These complications are uncommon for laparoscopic procedures and typically associated with an open procedure.

According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery 2004 Consensus Statement, the operative morbidity (complications) associated with gastric bypass surgery in the hands of a skilled surgeon is roughly 5 percent and the operative mortality (death) is roughly 0.5 percent. For lap band surgery the same consensus statement reported that in the hands of skilled surgeons, the operative morbidity is approximately 5 percent and operative mortality is approximately 0.1 percent.

Risks and Possible Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery

Vomiting
Dumping syndrome
Nutritional deficiencies
Gallstones
Need to avoid pregnancy temporarily
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas, and dizziness

Why Would I Have an Open Procedure?

While the majority of the surgeries we perform are laparoscopic, there are times when the laparoscopic or minimally invasive approach to surgery cannot be used. Some reasons why you may have to have open procedure or why your surgeon may switch during the operation from laparoscopic to open include:

Prior abdominal surgery that has caused dense scar tissue
Inability to see organs
Bleeding problems during the operation