Gastric Bypass Surgery Side Effects

Gastric Bypass Risks and Side Effects

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Side EffectsGastric bypass surgery is a very effective form of weight loss procedure. According to research, most patients average 65% weight loss, with more than 85% losing and maintaining more than 50% initial excess weight loss.

However, it comes with a few complications.

According to the same research, gastric bypass surgery bears a 0.1% risk of mortality and a 5% risk of early complications. Despite being marginal, it would still help to learn what these side effects might be once you’ve completed the procedure.

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Gastric bypass surgery is a very effective form of weight loss procedure. According to research, most patients average 65% weight loss, with more than 85% losing and maintaining more than 50% initial excess weight loss.

However, it comes with a few complications.

According to the same research, gastric bypass surgery bears a 0.1% risk of mortality and a 5% risk of early complications. Despite being marginal, it would still help to learn what these side effects might be once you’ve completed the procedure.

Here’s What You Should Expect.

Why is Gastric Bypass Surgery Performed?

Gastric bypass is performed to help the patient lose weight and avoid obesity-related complications and comorbidities. Some of these complications include:
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • High cholesterol
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Infertility
  • Cancer
  • Gastric bypass surgery is often recommended as the last resort after failing to lose weight through dietary changes and physical exercise.

    Who Qualifies for Gastric Bypass Surgery?

    Gastric bypass surgery has similar qualifications to other weight loss or bariatric surgeries. These include:
  • A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
  • A BMI of 35 – 39.9 and serious obesity-related complications such as Type 2 diabetes, severe sleep apnea, or high blood pressure.

  • In some cases, you may also qualify for the surgery if you have severe weight-related complications but a BMI of 30 – 34.

    Gastric bypass surgery is still not recommended for anyone suffering from obesity. There are specific medical guidelines you have to meet to qualify for the surgery. These qualifications are often checked during an intensive screening process before getting approval for the procedure. You must also be willing to make permanent changes and lead healthier lifestyles. You may also have to commit to long-term follow-up plans, including monitoring your nutrition, medical conditions, lifestyle, and behavior. Health insurance providers also follow strict qualification guidelines that dictate whether you’re covered for gastric bypass surgery. Thus, it is essential to visit your insurance provider’s office and determine if your policy covers the procedure.

    Risks Associated with Gastric Bypass

    Risks are associated with all surgical procedures. Bariatric surgery, which gastric bypass surgery falls under, has short-term and long-term side effects and complications. The most common side-effects and post-op risks include:
  • Acid reflux
  • Chronic nausea and vomiting
  • Anesthesia-related risks
  • Inability to eat certain foods
  • Esophagus dilation
  • Stomach obstruction
  • Infection
  • Weight gain or failure to lose weight

  • Some of the long-term risks include:
  • Dumping syndrome, which leads to dizziness and nausea
  • Malnutrition
  • Low blood sugar
  • Ulcers
  • Vomiting
  • Hernias
  • Bowel obstruction

  • Gastric bypass, specifically, carries the following risks:
  • Dumping syndrome
  • Breakage
  • Hernia
  • Gallstones
  • Leakage
  • Skin separation
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Pulmonary or cardiac problems
  • Protein or calorie malnutrition
  • Stomach or intestines perforation
  • Stomach or intestine ulceration
  • Spleen injury or injury to other organs
  • Vitamin or iron deficiency
  • Stricture
  • These complications and side effects are rarely fatal. There are also prevalent ones which include:

    Malnutrition

    Gastric bypass surgery limits the quantity and kinds of food you can eat. Therefore, it limits the nutrients your body can absorb. Working with a nutritionist helps ensure that you’re getting the right kind of nutrients in your diet, reducing the risk of malnutrition. Your nutritionist may advise you to subsidize your diet with supplements rich in:
  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B12
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Stomal Stenosis

    Stomal stenosis occurs when the new opening between the stomach and intestine tightens and narrows after gastric bypass surgery. The tightening and narrowing may cause vomiting after drinking or eating. Stomal stenosis is easy to treat, but it should be addressed immediately. Thus, contact your doctor as soon as possible if you start vomiting after the procedure.

    Dumping Syndrome

    Dumping syndrome occurs when large undigested food portions go directly from the stomach to the intestines. There are two types: Early dumping – occurs 15 – 20 minutes after eating. Its symptoms include:
  • Abdominal cramps and bloating
  • Heart palpitations, sweating, and rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Late dumping – occurs one to three hours after meals. Its symptoms include:
  • Confusion
  • Hunger
  • Heart palpitations and sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Fainting and tremors
  • Dietary changes address dumping syndrome, but you must immediately seek the help of your doctor and nutritionist.

    How to Reduce Risks Associated with Gastric Bypass Surgery

    You can reduce the risks of gastric bypass surgery by:
  • Increasing your amount of exercise
  • Decreasing your body mass index (BMI)
  • Quitting smoking
  • Consult A Bariatric Surgeon

    You need to be well-prepared before you can commit to gastric sleeve surgery. Consult a bariatric surgeon for complete advice on what to expect from the procedure.

    Our leading Bariatric Surgeons can perform the RNY Gastric Bypass Mexico for as low as $5,999. Learn more today.

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