Gastric Bypass Information
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Some of the Most Common Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery
All surgeries have risks, and gastric bypass surgery
is no exception.
A recent study of Medicaid patients found the rate of
serious complications, including death, to be far higher than previously
recognized. Risks can be reduced (but not eliminated), by having your
surgery performed at a fully approved ASBS Bariatric Surgery Center
of Excellence (BSCOE).
The most common form of weight loss surgery is the Roux-en-Y.
In this procedure the surgeon reduces the size of the stomach and redirects
a portion of the upper intestinal tract. This is the type of surgery
most people are referring to when they mention a “gastric bypass.”
It has been reported that both Al Roker and Carnie Wilson had this procedure.
Another form of surgery that is more popular in Europe
than the United States is called a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
procedure, or LAP-BAND® system. This procedure creates a small pouch
at the top of the stomach, and an adjustable opening to the lower portion
of the stomach. In this type of procedure, the patient’s intestines
are not rerouted. Ann Wilson, the lead singer of the rock band Heart,
chose this procedure to help her lose weight.
The gastric bypass procedure has a higher initial average
rate of weight loss, and a higher incidence of complications, than the
gastric banding procedure. However, both types of surgery will help
most people lose weight, and they both have their risks.
Among the more common complications and side effects of
weight loss surgeries are:
“Dumping Syndrome”
The dumping syndrome is most common in gastric bypass
surgeries, and is rarely experienced by gastric banding patients. After
surgery, patients often have difficulty tolerating sugary foods, or
foods high in fat, including red meat. If these foods are eaten, even
in small quantities, the patient will experience nausea, bloating, stomach
cramps and diarrhea. Potatoes can also trigger this syndrome. Although
the symptoms are very uncomfortable, the dumping syndrome may actually
help post-surgical patients stick with their healthy diet by making
it impossible to eat high-calorie foods loaded with simple carbs.
Dumping syndrome is most common during the first year,
but will never completely go away for gastric bypass patients.
Blood Clots
Studies have shown that blood clots in the legs occur
in about 0.2% of Roux-en-Y patients. Blood thinners are usually given
to post-operative patients, and compression stockings may be suggested.
Walking soon after surgery is also important, as it is after any type
of surgery. Patients are asked to contact their doctor if they notice
any unusual swelling in their legs, or shortness of breath.
Leakage
Approximately 1% of gastric bypass patients will experience
leakage of foods from the stomach into the abdominal cavity. This is
a serious complication, so post-operative patients are carefully monitored,
and they will be restricted to a water fast until the surgeon is convinced
that all is well. If leakage is observed, the patient will need to go
back to the operating room.
Gallstones
Gallstones and gall bladder infections are common when
anyone begins to lose weight quickly. This problem is not confined to
surgical patients – people on low-calorie diets should also contact
a doctor immediately if they experience the symptoms of gallstones.
Gallstones are made up of cholesterol and bile salts. It is believed
that rapid weight loss temporarily increases the amount of cholesterol
released into the bloodstream for removal by the gallbladder. Symptoms
of gallstones may include any one or more of the following:
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen
- Pain in the upper back
- Pain under the right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal bloating
- Recurring intolerance of fatty foods
- Heartburn that lasts longer than expected
Gallstones can be quite dangerous if not treated early
enough, so anyone who is losing weight quickly should seek medical attention
if they experience any of these symptoms.
Other less common complications may also occur, including
nutritional deficiencies, infections, and even death. If you're considering
gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery you should discuss all possible
complications with your surgeon, so you can be prepared for any abnormality.
This will help make sure you recognize any problem that may occur and
seek immediate medical care.
To read first-person accounts from people who have experienced
gastric bypass surgery, click
here.
Note: The information given here should
not be taken as medical advice. Be sure to talk to your doctor
about any concerns you may have about gastric bypass surgery.
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