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Gastric Bypass Complications GASTRIC BYPASS AND POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS One of the more notable and serious complications of gastric bypass surgery is the possibility that it may result in death. However, the mortality rate for the operation is less than one percent and may be as infrequent as one out of every 350 people. As with other types of weight reduction surgery, the risk of death increases with age and Body Mass Index (BMI) level. Younger individuals who are in better physical condition have less of a chance of falling victim to this particular complication of gastric bypass surgery. In fact, a 2003 study by the Duke University Medical Center found that morbidly obese individuals were the most likely to experience gastric bypass problems after surgery. The researchers studied 335 patients who underwent the Roux-en-Y version of the surgery at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio. Of those individuals, 57 reported experiencing gastric bypass surgery side effects. The report released by the researches states that eight people experienced leaks from the stomach into the abdominal cavity, five experienced staple-line disruption, three suffered from blood clots in the lungs, two came down with pneumonia, and one suffered from serious infection and an open wound in the abdomen. Within a month, 17 individuals (or 5% of those who underwent the procedure) returned to the hospital reporting gastric bypass complications. Other gastric bypass surgery risks include the possibility of hernia or obstruction of the stomach-to-intestine connection, which prevents food from being discharged and results in vomiting. Another gastric bypass surgery risk is the possibility that a tied-off blood vessel may reopen following the procedure, which could lead to massive hemorrhaging and a possible operation to correct the condition. The surgery can also cause a pus-like fluid to collect in the abdomen, forming an abscess that should be drained immediately. Side effects of gastric bypass surgery can also include bowel leakage, possible ventricle clotting (which may lead to a pulmonary embolism) and gallstones. The downsides of gastric bypass surgery also include the development of nutritional deficiencies and intolerance to milk, red meat and sugar. While these may not initially seem gastric bypass risks, per se, they can lead to serious medical problems such as anemia or osteoporosis. An individual may also find him or herself suffering from other vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and thus feeling sluggish or unwell. There is also a specific reaction to certain foods, called "dumping," that can be listed among gastric bypass surgery complications. Dumping occurs when a high concentration of calories reach the intestine, which then forces bodily fluids to enter as well. This decreases circulation and can cause weakness, nausea, regurgitation, sudden and possibly uncontrollable diarrhea, and an increased heart rate. Avoiding sugar and eating lots of protein can help stave of this particular set of gastric bypass surgery problems. Despite the complications gastric bypass surgery remains immensely popular. It can be quite an effective tool for weight loss. However, as you can see, there are many potential side effects that an overweight or obese individual should be aware of before committing to the procedure. Be warned that an estimated 10% of those who undergo the gastric bypass procedure have at least a minor complication that requires medical attention within two months of the surgery, and 5% will experience at least one of the more serious problems. It certainly requires a lot of heartfelt risk/reward consideration. |
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