Stomach Stapling Complications

A stomach stapling operation is indicated for patients who are morbidly obese and are unable to lose weight without the surgery. Stomach stapling surgery has risk of complications. There are complications directly related to the surgical procedure and risks associated with rapid weight loss. Usual surgical risks are compounded by obesity, which adds additional stress upon the body and makes for longer recovery time and increased risk of complications.

Death

• According to the University of Michigan Health System, fewer than three out of 200 people die because of weight-loss surgery. While the risk statistics are low in general, they may be higher for those with certain health conditions such as cardiac disease.

Blood Clots

• Blood clots are a concern after any type of surgery. Blood clots are more likely in people who are obese. Blood clotting mechanisms activate due to bleeding from surgery. Prolonged bed rest and inactivity causes blood to pool in the large veins of the legs. These two factors work together to increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs. These blood clots can be dangerous if they break away and move into the lungs where they can cause a condition called pulmonary embolism. Walking soon after surgery and stopping smoking before surgery may help reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.

Stenosis

• The University of Michigan Health System reports that around one of every five people who have the stomach stapling procedure may need a second operation to reverse stomal stenosis. Stomal stenosis is a condition where there is a narrowing in the connection between the intestines and the stomach.

Dumping Syndrome

• The dumping syndrome occurs when food passes too quickly through the intestines. This causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating and dizziness. This condition happens most often after eating fatty or sweet foods.

Gallstones

• According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, up to 30 percent of patients develop gallstones after surgery because of rapid weight loss. Gallstones may make it necessary to have additional surgery. The University of Rochester Medical Center reports that this risk can be reduced by taking bile salts for six months after the stomach stapling operation.

Nutritional Deficiencies

• A stomach stapling operation causes the duodenum to be bypassed. This has an effect on the way nutrients, such as calcium and iron, are absorbed by the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and calcium deficiency leads to osteoporosis.