|  | Conditions Treatments | Wounds Injuries

Symptoms of Internal Bleeding Due to Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass is a surgical option some people consider in order to lose weight. Sometimes, however, complications can arise, including internal bleeding. Knowing the warning signs of internal bleeding is an important step in safe-guarding your health and well-being, especially after gastric bypass surgery. If you suspect you may be experiencing internal bleeding after your gastric bypass surgery, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

  1. Pain

    • Pain after surgery is completely natural, but only in the localized area. If you begin to experience pain in the chest or abdomen, usually accompanied by generalized swelling, then you may be bleeding internally. When blood collects in the body cavity, it puts pressure on other organs and tissues, causing the nerve endings to respond by sending pain signals to your brain.

    Bleeding

    • There should be very little to no bleeding after gastric bypass, but in some cases of internal bleeding, blood can exit the body in a number of ways. If you see blood in your stool, urine, after vomiting, or non-menstrual bleeding, then you may have internal bleeding. This is usually caused by blood leaking into the surrounding organs such as the uterus, intestines, or esophagus.

    Mental Symptoms

    • Blood loss from internal bleeding can also manifest in an alteration or diminishing of your mental faculties. If you experience an inability to concentrate, confusion, dizziness or light-headedness, and/or general weakness, you may be experiencing internal bleeding. These symptoms usually accompany other physical symptoms, but not always.

    Other Symptoms

    • Some other symptoms, such as clammy skin, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, or fainting, may occur. In these cases, blood supply to the brain, lungs, or other organs is a fraction of what it should be. There is a danger that the person suffering from these symptoms may enter a state of shock and die if not treated immediately.

    Helping an Affected Person

    • If a loved one or someone you know has recently had gastric bypass surgery and is experiencing symptoms of internal bleeding, you can help them in the following manner: Remain calm and reassure them that medical attention is on the way; panic in certain situations can lead to a worsening of symptoms or even push the patient into shock. Have the person lay flat; by doing so, you keep the blood flow as regular as possible. Call for emergency medical help, but do not leave the person unattended if possible. Remain with the person until help arrives.

Wounds Injuries - Related Articles