Risks
Although most patients who undergo bariatric surgery have an uneventful procedure and recovery period, complications can and do occur. Your weight, age, and medical history play a significant role in determining your specific risks. As a patient considering weight loss surgery, it is your responsibility to understand the role and risks of this surgery. Though rare, some of the complications that can occur with bariatric surgery may include:
- Intestinal leaks
- Ulcers
- Strictures
- Bleeding
- Conversion to open surgery
- Blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE)
- Wound infection
- Respiratory complications / pneumonia
- Cardiac complications / heart attack / stroke
- Dehydration
- Inadequate weight loss or weight regain
- Incisional hernia
- Bowel obstruction
- Micronutrient deficiencies
- Gallstones
- Death
