Gastric Bypass Surgery Risks

Gastric Bypass Surgery Risks

Gastric bypass surgery is considered major surgery and like all other major surgeries, it is not without its risks.

An infection of the incision or a leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity at the location where the intestine is connected are two of the biggest complication with gastric bypass surgery. With all surgeries you are at risk for pulmonary embolisms (a blood clot in the lung). Gastric bypass patients are also at risk gallstones, anemia and osteoporosis.

About 1% of all people that have gastric bypass surgery will die from it.

The following conditions may occur after having a Roux-en-Y procedure:

• Your stomach staples may pull loose
• You may have hiccups and bloating due to the bypassed stomach enlarging.
• You may develop ulcers or hernia.
• Problems with nausea and vomiting may exist due to a narrowing between the stomach and the intestine.
• Iron deficiency and even anemia may become a problem.

You will have to decide if these risks are worth taking for the benefit of being able to return to a healthy weight. Fortunately, I did not experience any of these side effects as a result of having this surgery.