Risks of Surgery

The surgical complications include bleeding, infection, leaks, ulcers or narrowing where new connections of the intestine have been made, formation of fistula or abscess, staple line disruption, dumping syndrome, development of gallbladder disease, wound infection, incisional hernia, injury to the spleen, pneumonia, atelectasis or collapse of small portions of the lung, myocardial infarction or heart attack, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhytmias, stroke, acute renal failure, blood clots in the legs and pulmonary embolism and death. The presence of other medical problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, etc. may increase the risk of surgery.

Nutrient deficiencies may develop after weight loss surgery. For example, there may be limited absorption of calcium, iron, thiamine and vitamin B12. This is common with the bypass procedures that keep food from being in contact with the lower stomach, duodenum and the upper portion of the small intestine.

Some late complications may occur with placement of the Lap Band. These include breaks in the tubing, slippage of stomach under the band and erosion of the band into the stomach. They usually occur months after the operation.

Important Considerations

Surgery should not be considered until you and your doctor have evaluated all other options. The proper approach to weight-loss surgery requires discussion and careful consideration of the following with your doctor:

1. These procedures are in no way to be considered as cosmetic surgery.
2. The surgery does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or excision.
3. A decision to elect surgical treatment requires an assessment of the risk and benefit to the patient and the meticulous performance of the appropriate surgical procedure.
4. The success of weight loss surgery is dependent upon long-term lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
5. Problems may arise after surgery that may require reoperations.

Success of surgical treatment must begin with realistic goals and progress through the best possible use of well-designed and tested operations.