What are typical risks after weight loss surgery?

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What are typical risks after weight loss surgery?

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Vomiting may result from eating too much too quickly -- and not chewing well.
Constipation is a common problem. Mineral oil and other liquid cathartics can help. High-fiber Metamucil and psyllium can cause obstructions and should be avoided.
Nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disease, may develop after weight loss surgery.
As with any surgery, wound infections can occur up to three weeks after surgery. These can be treated with antibiotics, and sometimes require further surgery.

Complications that may develop:

Hernia
Gallstones
Ulcerations
Gastric prolapse
Severe scarring of the new stomach pouch
Excess skin that may need to be removed in an additional surgery
Dehydration
Hair loss
Kidney stones
Hypoglycemia.

Rare but serious complications include:

Bleeding in the stool, or black stools.
Leaks in new connections made by weight loss surgery. These usually occur within five days of surgery.
Blood clots in the lungs, called pulmonary emboli, occur less than 1% of the time. They are the most common cause of death after weight loss surgery. Blood clots can be prevented with blood thinning medicines and frequent activity.
Blood clots in the legs, called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.
Pneumonia.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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Archived: March 20, 2014

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