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Risks & Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Obese people who have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher and need to lose at least 100 pounds may be candidates for gastric bypass surgery. This is a surgical procedure where the stomach is made smaller so it can't hold a great volume of food. This caloric reduction results in weight loss. As with any invasive operation there are risks and potential complications.

  1. Vitamin Deficiencies

    • Iron, vitamin B-12 and calcium are present in the foods we eat and a body needs them to remain healthy. Because food intake is reduced after gastric bypass surgery, the vitamins consumed are also reduced. For this reason nutritional supplements are recommended to meet the minimum daily allowance. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D and E may not be well absorbed either and water-dispersed forms of these vitamins may need to be taken.

    Gastritis and Heartburn

    • Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and may occur in those who have had weight loss surgery due to the reconstruction of the digestive tract. Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the esophagus and is so named because the discomfort is felt under the breastbone. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat or jaw. These are treated with antacids and if pernicious anemia is also present, B-12 injections.

    Dumping Syndrome

    • After surgery, sugary foods move too rapidly through the small intestine. A person will break into a cold sweat, feel bloated, weak, and dizzy. This uncomfortable feeling may last for 30 to 45 minutes and diarrhea may follow.

    Gallstones

    • Gallstones can occur in response to rapid weight loss. Initially, the stones are asymptomatic. If they remain so, no treatment is needed. Once they grow to larger than 8 millimeters, they can cause extreme pain in the abdominal area. Attacks frequently occur after a fatty meal and mostly happen at night. Medicine can be taken to dissolve stones if they cause discomfort.

    Blood Clots

    • Blood clots occasionally occur in the legs of patients. Doctors encourage patients to move as soon as possible after surgery. Blood thinners are usually given and compression stockings are advised. Walking soon after surgery is also important, as it is after any type of surgery.

    Leakage

    • A small percentage of patients experience leakage of foods from the stomach into the abdominal cavity. This is a serious complication so patients are restricted to a water only diet until it's clear there is no leakage. The patient will need to return to the operating room if a leakage is present.

    Other Complications

    • Less common complications may also occur, including the breakdown of the stomach pouch, infections and breathing (respiratory) failure.

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