How Dangerous Is Bariatric Surgery?

How is bariatric surgery performed?

Photo showing the bariatric surgery procedure.

Bariatric surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Most bariatric surgeries are laparoscopic, but some patients may need a conventional surgery. The procedure may last several hours. A surgeon specialized in bariatric surgery will perform the procedure. A gastroenterologist is integral in caring for the patient before and after the surgery.

Preparation

The patient first undergoes blood, urine and imaging tests.
Based on the individual’s specific needs, the surgeon decides on the type of bariatric surgery.
The patient must stop taking blood thinners, have nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to surgery, and check with the doctor before taking any regular medications.

Procedure

An anesthesiologist administers anesthesia and monitors the patient’s vital functions during the surgery.
The surgeon performs the bariatric surgery and closes the incisions with sutures.
The patient is monitored in a recovery room and administered painkillers for post-surgical pain.
The patient may be required to remain in the hospital for a few days, depending on the type of surgery.

Post-surgery

Patients will generally not be allowed to eat for one or two days after surgery to let the digestive system heal.
The dietitian will prescribe a diet regimen for the patient post-surgery.
Patients must supplement the diet with multivitamins, calcium and iron.
Patients must modify lifestyle and eating habits.
Periodic health check-ups will be required post-surgery.
Body contouring procedures might be required to correct flabbiness caused by weight loss.

How long is recovery from bariatric surgery?

With a laparoscopic surgery a patient is usually discharged in two or three days and most patients will be able to get back to normal activities in three to five weeks, depending on their original stage of obesity and other health conditions.

What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery currently is the best and fastest option for significant and long-lasting weight loss in morbidly obese people. Along with weight loss, many obesity-related health issues tend to resolve along with the resulting weight loss, enhancing the patient’s quality of life.

The life expectancy improves in many, as does general health, and ability to do daily activities. It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle and eating habits to sustain the weight loss and improved health.

How dangerous is bariatric surgery?

The bariatric surgery itself is generally a safe procedure, especially with recent technological advancements in the surgical field. The effects of surgery on the digestive system might pose specific risks like nutritional deficiency caused by malabsorption, leading to conditions like anemia or osteoporosis.

Considering the multitude of obesity-related diseases affecting many organ systems, bariatric surgery may be the safest option for many morbidly obese people, despite its risks.

What are the risks and complications of bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery may not be suitable for everyone, and in some it may not achieve the desired weight loss. The patient has to combine it with modified lifestyle, diet and activity. Bariatric surgery has a few risks and possible complications, some of them specific to this kind of surgery.

Risks from surgery

Anesthetic side effects like headache, nausea and confusion
Infection
Excessive bleeding
Blood clots
Breathing problems
Leaks in the digestive tract
Abdominal pain
Pneumonia

Complications

Besides the surgical risks, other complications (listed by procedure type) may include:

Gastric banding

Injury to the stomach or food pipe

Vomiting

Displacement or leakage of the band

Sleeve gastrectomy

Leaking of the sleeve
Long-term risks are still being evaluated

Gastric bypass

Diarrhea
Leakage from the digestive tract
Distension of stomach

Stomal stenosis or narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract

Bowel obstruction
Gallstones
Staple line leaks
Dumping syndrome
Hernia
Ulcer
Acid reflux
Nutrient deficiency

Duodenal switch

Malnutrition from protein deficiency
Vitamin deficiency leading to anemia, osteoporosis, and night blindness
Complications from gastric bypass