Considering the risks of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery should be a last resort choice and other options should be considered before considering this invasive surgery.

The Mayo Clinic defines Gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries as making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. Some procedures limit how much you can eat. Other procedures work by reducing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

They also mention that while bariatric surgery can offer many benefits, all forms of weight-loss surgery are major procedures that can pose serious risks and side effects. Also, you must make permanent healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise to help ensure the long-term success of bariatric surgery.

People who should consider bariatric surgery should do so if:

• Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity).
• Your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea. In some cases, you may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health problems.

Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone who is severely overweight. You may need to meet certain medical guidelines to qualify for weight-loss surgery. You likely will have an extensive screening process to see if you qualify. You must also be willing to make permanent changes to lead a healthier lifestyle.

You may be required to participate in long-term follow-up plans that include monitoring your nutrition, your lifestyle and behavior, and your medical conditions.

Risks of Bariatric Surgery

The Mayo Clinic mentions that as with any major procedure, bariatric surgery poses potential health risks, both in the short term and long term.

Risks associated with the surgical procedure can include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Blood clots
• Lung or breathing problems
• Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
• Death (rare)

Longer-term risks and complications of weight-loss surgery vary depending on the type of surgery. They can include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Dumping syndrome, which leads to diarrhea, flushing, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
• Gallstones
• Hernias
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Malnutrition
• Ulcers
• Vomiting
• Acid reflux
• The need for a second, or revision, surgery, or procedure
• Death (rare)

In conclusion, gastric bypass and other bariatric surgeries can provide long-term weight loss. The amount of weight you lose depends on your type of surgery and your change in lifestyle habits. It may be possible to lose half, or even more, of your excess weight within two years. However, the same results can be achieved by taking other measures that are not so invasive. For more information on weight loss, contact us today for a free consultation.