Side Effects of Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure in which an individual's stomach is made smaller in size. Gastric bypass surgery is usually done on obese individuals for whom all other types of weight loss efforts have failed. Although gastric bypass surgery does result in weight loss, there are also a number of potential side effects that could occur as a result of the procedure.

Dumping Syndrome

• Individual's who eat more than recommended by their physician may experience nervousness, sweating or begin to shake. Individuals may also experience an increased heart rate and mental confusion.

Low Blood Sugar

• Individual's who have gastric bypass surgery may experience low blood sugar attacks after surgery. These attacks can cause dizziness and fainting.

Too Much Bacteria in the Small Intestine

• As a result of gastric bypass surgery, there may not be enough necessary acid produced in the stomach. This deficiency can lead to too much bacteria growth in the small intestine and cause nutritive deficiencies.

Vitamin Deficiencies

• A decrease in caloric and nutrient intake due to a smaller stomach size can lead to vitamin deficiencies. The most common deficiencies are those involving B12 and Iron.

Stomal Stenosis

• Gastric bypass surgery can cause stomal stenosis, a condition in which there is a narrowing of the connection between the stomach and the intestine. This can lead to nausea and vomiting.