Gastric Bypass

Complications

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Gastric bypass surgery is a great option for managing weight loss in the long term. Research shows that this procedure has one of the highest success rates and an impressively low complication rate of 5%.

You should, therefore, have a lot of confidence as you commit to the procedure.

However, it’s still important to be fully aware of the possible complications, despite the minimal risks. Let’s look at some of the complications associated with gastric bypass surgery.

Overview of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is a common type of weight loss surgery. In this procedure, the stomach is turned into a small gastric pouch. A loop of the small intestine is cut, then brought up and connected to the gastric pouch through a connection known as anastomosis. The other end of the small intestine loop is connected to the rest of the small intestine through another anastomosis. With this connection, food is redirected further down the digestive system, bypassing the stomach.

Consequently, you eat less and feel fuller faster, controlling weight gain. Gastric bypass surgery is recommended mostly for individuals satisfying the following conditions:

Have a BMI of 40 or higher (severe or morbid obesity)

Have a BMI between 35 – 39.9 and suffer from serious weight-related complications

You must have also tried losing weight through dietary changes and physical exercise with little to no success.

Possible Complications with Gastric Bypass Surgery

Complications with gastric bypass surgery can be early or late. Early complications include:

Bleeding

Blood clots

Leaks

Problems with vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, or lungs.

Research shows that these complications have fallen steeply, with a mortality rate of 0.1% or one in a thousand. It is one of the lowest figures for most surgical procedures.

Long-term complications from gastric bypass surgery include:

Blockage

Twisting

Malnutrition

Blockage and twisting are often solved by surgical revision of the procedure. Nutritional deficiency is caused by a lack of vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D. It can lead to neuropathy, fatigue, and loss of bone density over time. Let’s look deeper into some of these complications.

Blood Clots

After surgery, you’ll be given treatment to reduce the risk of blood clottings, such as leg stockings and blood-thinning medicine. However, you can still get blood clots. Blood clots typically occur in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or lower leg (deep vein thrombosis).

Symptoms of a blood clot include:

Swelling, redness, or warmth in the lower leg

Pain and tenderness in the lower leg

Cough or shortness of breath

A sharp stabbing chest pain that may get worse when breathing in

Dizziness or fainting

Contact medical emergency services or your doctor immediately if you get the symptoms of a blood clot.

Wound Infection

Wounds from gastric bypass surgery can get infected during healing. Signs of an infected wound include:

Red, hot, and swollen skin

Pain around or in the wound

Pus coming out from the wound

Ensure you contact your doctor immediately if you suspect you have a wound infection. It’s often treated using antibiotics.

Anastomotic Leaking

Research shows that anastomotic leaking happens in about 5.6% of gastric bypass surgeries. It is one of the most serious complications resulting from the procedure. Anastomotic leaking often happens within three days after surgery, but it may take up to several weeks to show up. Its symptoms include:

Fever

Rapid heart rate

Drainage from the surgical wound

Pain in the left shoulder area

Nausea and vomiting

Stomach pain

Decreased urination

Low blood pressure

The risk of anastomotic leaking increases with obesity. Males and individuals with a history of abdominal surgery are also at a higher risk. Anastomotic leaking is typically treated in the following ways:

Administering antibiotics through an intravenous line (IV)

Conducting an upper endoscopy to place a temporary stent across the area with the leak, from the inside of the small intestine or gastric pouch

Draining any infection resulting from the leak, repairing the leak, or operating again to make a new anastomosis

Stopping all oral feedings and administering food through a tube until the leak heals

Blocked Gut

The stomach or small intestine may narrow or block after gastric bypass surgery. It happens due to the surgery’s side effects, such as reduced blood flow and scarring. A blocked gut can cause complications such as a kinked or twisted gut and food getting stuck. This causes the following symptoms:

Vomiting

Difficulty swallowing

Tummy pain

Less need to poo

You should contact emergency services or a doctor as soon as possible once you get these symptoms.

Consult a Bariatric Surgeon First

Committing to gastric bypass surgery is one of the best decisions you can make regarding your weight management. However, ensure you’ve consulted a professional bariatric surgeon first to fully understand the perks and complications of the surgery before committing.

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