Gastric bypass surgery helps the obese and super obese to lose weight. During the surgery, the patient's stomach size is reduced severely. After the surgery, the patient will only be able to eat a very small amount of food at a time. In some cases, this surgery is the only way for a patient to lose the weight needed to live. However, like all surgeries, there are risks. Each patient must carefully consider the risks before checking in for surgery.
Abdominal Complications
Some of the side effects of gastric bypass necessitate another surgery. One such instance is when leaking of stomach acid occurs around the staples used to close the pouch. While this may be treated with antibiotics, surgery is usually required to prevent complications, such as poisoning that may occur. A complication that sometimes follows gastric bypass is narrowing of the opening between the small intestine and the stomach. This is another complication that may require surgery.
Blood Clots
Obese patients are more likely to develop blood clots in the legs than average or underweight patients. These blood clots aren't dangerous as long as they stay in the legs. The problem comes when they travel to the lungs. This condition, called a pulmonary embolism, is life threatening. Patients who smoke increase the risk of this condition following gastric bypass. Doctors usually instruct a patient to move about as soon as possible after surgery. Most of the time, patients have to wear compression stockings, which reduce the risk of blood clots forming.
Dumping Syndrome
This occurs when food travels too fast through the digestive tract. Patients who experience this syndrome will become nauseated and vomit shortly after eating. Some patients may also have bouts of diarrhea or dizziness. Sometimes, this only happens after eating sweet foods or foods that are high in fat. This complication is life threatening, as it increases the chance of malnutrition.
Death
The most serious side effect of gastric bypass surgery is death. There are numerous ways that this can happen as a result of the surgery. Malnutrition, infections and anesthesia complications are all possible. While no one can predict when death will occur as a result of gastric bypass, there are some warning signs that indicate the surgery may not be in your best interest. Sensitivity to medications is one of these. People who are allergic to medications are at an increased risk of anesthesia complications. Patients with heart trouble that isn't a direct result of obesity may want to think twice about getting the surgery.
Preventative Care
Many surgeons who perform gastric bypass operations require that patients lose a certain amount of weight before the surgery. This requirement serves two purposes: to ensure the patient is willing and able to stick to a diet program, and to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. Patients are urged to quick smoking before having the surgery, which reduces the risk of blood clots and medication sensitivity. Beginning a low-impact exercise program is also beneficial. Patients who have difficulty moving about can benefit from doing light exercises. Even bed-bound patients can do those. For example, lying on your back, pick one arm up off the bed and curl your arm so your fist is near your shoulder. Repeat on the other side. For leg exercises, lying on your back, raise one foot up as much as possible. Hold it for a count of 3, then slowly put it back down. Repeat on the other side. Do these exercises at least three times on each side.
