The Dangers of Stomach Stapling

Stomach stapling surgeries, or gastric bypass, significantly decrease the size of the stomach to promote weight loss, improve health and lower the risk of diabetes, heart attack or early death in obese patients. These procedures involve reducing and restricting the size of the stomach with staples and bands, as well as bypassing the small intestines, so that less food and calories are consumed. The type of surgery best-suited to a patient is determined by overall health and the amount of weight that must be lost. The dangers and side effects of stomach stapling must be considered prior to any of these surgeries.

Dumping Syndrome

• Dumping syndrome occurs when the stomach contents empty too quickly and is related to eating high fat foods and sweets. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness and diarrhea.

Incisional Hernia

• An incisional hernia results from open abdominal surgery involving a large incision. This area weakens and may require surgical repair in serious cases.

Blood Clots

• There is a risk of blood clots with any surgery, but this increases in overweight patients and smokers. The risk decreases with leg movement or walking, wraps that squeeze the legs in a pulsing, intermittent manner and/or injections of a blood thinner into the legs.

Rare Danger

• On rare occasions, the opening between the stomach and small intestine may narrow, requiring either surgery or placement of a tube to widen the opening.

Other Dangers

• Stomach stapling can also lead to dehydration, gallstones, some food intolerance, kidney stones, low blood sugar, bleeding stomach ulcer or vitamin and mineral deficiency. These complications are caused by the restricted intake of foods and nutrients that the body requires to maintain health.