Risks & Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Risks and Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Surgery should not be considered until you and your family doctor have evaluated all other options. As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with the laparoscopic or open gastric bypass procedure. Though nearly every gastric bypass surgery performed by Hope Bariatrics is started as a laparoscopic operation, your doctor may choose to convert to open surgery. Your family doctor and surgeon must determine if you are an appropriate surgical candidate.

Indication

Weight loss surgery is typically reserved as a treatment for those individuals 100 pounds or more overweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 40 or higher) who have not responded to other less invasive therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc.

In certain circumstances, less morbidly obese patients (with BMIs between 35 and 40) may be considered for surgery (patients with high-risk co-morbid conditions and obesity-induced physical problems that are interfering with quality of life).

Important Considerations

The proper approach to weight-loss surgery requires discussion and careful consideration of a patient’s individual risks and benefits. Here are some things to consider regarding the decision to have gastric bypass surgery:

1. Bariatric 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 (this is NOT liposuction surgery).
3. Gastric bypass surgery is an “elective” surgery; that is, the patient is choosing to have it and the pre-operative process should involve an assessment of the risk and benefit to the patient.
4. Gastric bypass surgery should not be thought of as reversible.
5. The success of weight loss surgery is dependent upon long-term lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
6. Problems may arise after surgery that may require re-operations.

Success of surgical treatment must begin with expert surgical care, nutrition education and patient commitment to following the program guidelines.

Complications and Risks

As with any major surgery, there are possible short and long-term complications and risks. Gastric bypass surgery does involve some risk, the surgeons of Hope Bariatrics have very low complication rates but you must be aware of possible risks including but are not limited to:

• Gastric leak
• Deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism (blood clot to leg or lung)
• Bleeding
• Nausea
• Wound Infections
• Marginal ulcers
• Pulmonary problems
• Heart problems
• Complications due to anesthesia and medications
• Stenosis
• Hernias
• Weight gain
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Anemia
• Death

Each patient has more than one opportunity to discuss surgical risk with the surgeon before gastric bypass; every effort is made by the Hope Bariatric team to minimize each patient’s risk.

Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Long-Term Weight Loss

One of the most important benefits of gastric bypass surgery is weight loss!

A research study shows that most patients lose up to 70% of their excess weight the first year after surgery. Over 15 years most patients maintained a significant weight loss. The amount of weight a patient loses and the speed at which that weight is lost varies for many reasons. Some studies show that men lose faster than women and those patients with higher BMI’s (or higher weights) pre-operatively, lose faster. Many studies reflect the fact that many patients lose up to 95% of their excess weight. How close you come to achieving your goal weight depends on your commitment to healthy lifestyle changes.

Improved Health

Before surgery, numerous patients have serious health problems (or comorbidities) like diabetes and high blood pressure. They may take several medications and may need CPAP for sleep apnea all related to excess weight. Studies show that with significant weight loss, many patients are able to get off of all medications and experience an improvement in their overall health. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications unless your surgeon or family doctor has recommended it.

In the chart below, from a study conducted by Dr. Wittgrove, you can see how most health problems decreased or completely resolved after gastric bypass surgery.

Increased Quality of Life

After having surgery and losing a significant amount of weight, a lot of patients have a renewed ability to enjoy life and relationships. According to the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) some of the areas that could improve after surgery include:

• % of Excess weight loss
• Medical conditions
• Physical
• Self esteem
• Ability to work
• Social
• Love Life