Information about Bariatric Surgery Risks from Our Biloxi and Gulfport-Area Practice
Before undergoing any surgical procedure, it is important to understand its potential complications and side effects. All surgery carries some inherent amount of risk. Because the chances of complication are higher in patients who are significantly overweight, weight loss surgery inevitably carries more risk than most surgical procedures. As part of the consultation process that each patient goes through, we conduct a thorough discussion of bariatric surgery risks at our Ocean Springs Office in the Biloxi / Gulfport and Mississippi Gulf Coast Region. However, it is best to have a general idea of these risks before you decide that weight loss surgery is for you.
- Potential Risks of Gastric Bypass
- Potential Risks of Gastric Sleeve
- Potential Risks of the LAP-BAND® System
- Potential Risks of the REALIZE™ Personal Banding Solution
- General Risks of Surgery
Potential Risks of Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is an effective but invasive surgical weight loss technique. Immediate post-operative risks of this procedure include staple line leaks (which could possibly result in an opening between the stomach and intestines), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), and pneumonia. In order to ensure that the healing process is progressing properly, Gastric Bypass patients are required to remain in the hospital for up to four days after surgery.
After the recovery period, most bariatric surgery risks are related to the body´s newly limited ability to store and process food. Since Roux-en-Y Surgery involves bypassing a segment of the small intestine, the body may have trouble absorbing all of the nutrients it needs to function properly. Poor absorption of iron and protein can result in the lowering of total body protein or a predisposition to iron deficiency anemia. A reduction in calcium can cause metabolic bone loss in some patients, resulting in bone pain, loss of height, and fractures of the vertebrae, ribs, and hipbones. Chronic anemia can also occur due to a vitamin B12 deficiency. To prevent these bariatric surgery risks, the staff at our Ocean Springs practice in the Biloxi / Gulfport and Mississippi Gulf Coast Area will recommend a daily regimen of vitamin supplements that is designed to make up for the body´s decreased ability to obtain vitamins from food.
Another condition, known as "dumping syndrome," can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestines. This can be triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. Although it is not considered to be a serious risk to your health, it is extremely unpleasant. Symptoms associated with dumping syndrome are nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea after eating. Preventing this side effect involves eating only small amounts at a time and avoiding foods that are high in sugar or fat.
Potential Risks of Gastric Sleeve
As it is a purely restrictive weight loss procedure, weight regain is more likely than with the Gastric Bypass or Banding. Although the Gastric Sleeve helps control hunger and limit amount of food that can be eaten at any one time, weight loss will not occur without a healthy, low-calorie diet and regular exercise. If this is not maintained over time, the new smaller stomach pouch may stretch.
If performed as the first part of a two-stage process, a second malabsorptive weight loss surgery such as the Gastric Bypass will need to be performed at a later time. The Gastric Sleeve Surgery is not reversible as a portion of the stomach is permanently removed. Due to stapling to the edge of the stomach, bleeding or leaks may occur. The Gastric Sleeve is not covered by most insurance companies and there is a lack of published data for long-term weight loss results. To find out more information about the Gastric Sleeve procedure and the insurance companies that do cover the surgery, contact our practice in Ocean Springs, MS.
Potential Risks of the LAP-BAND® System
Although less invasive than Gastric Bypass Surgery, LAP-BAND® System surgery is also associated with certain potential risks. Surgical intervention may be necessary if the Gastric Band triggers complications such as an obstruction or perforation or if it begins to erode into the stomach. There is also the possibility of the band breaking or moving out of position or of the access port leaking or becoming twisted.
LAP-BAND® System Bariatric Surgery also carries similar risks with respect to the body´s ability to hold and process food. Although there is less chance of nutrient deficiency because the digestive system remains intact, some patients may become dehydrated or have trouble holding enough food and need to be readmitted to the hospital for fluid replacement and nutritional support.
Because this is a restrictive procedure that relies solely on a small stomach pouch to reduce food intake, there is the risk of stretching the pouch if a patient consistently eats more than is advisable. Approximately 40% of patients who undergo a Gastric Banding procedure loose less than half of their excess bodyweight.
Potential Risks of the REALIZE™ Personal Banding Solution
The risks associated with the insertion of the REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band are less severe than those that are associated with Gastric Bypass Surgery. In addition, clinical studies have shown that there is a lower percentage of complications with the REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band than with the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band. Though they are less likely to occur, the risks of the REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band include infection, inflammation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. To learn more about the safety of this innovative new solution, please contact South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center today.
General Risks of Surgery
In addition to those bariatric surgery risks that are directly associated with these procedures, there are also certain potential complications, including death, that are related to surgery in general. The most common of these is infection. Keeping all incision sites clean during the healing process and following the doctor´s post-operative instructions carefully are effective ways to minimize this risk.
Other, less common surgical risks include bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and problems related to the healing of incisions. All of the potential risks will be discussed during pre-surgical consultations at our Ocean Springs Office.
If you have previously experienced any type of complication during surgery or recovery from surgery, it is important to discuss this with the doctor during your consultations. Certain problems are more likely to recur in those who have a history of surgical complication.
Contact Us about Bariatric Surgery Risks in Ocean Springs
If you have further questions about bariatric surgery risks, please contact our Ocean Springs office. We serve patients in Biloxi, Gulfport, and throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Contact South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center today if you live near Ocean Springs, Mississippi and are considering bariatric surgery. We will be happy to schedule you for one of our info sessions.