Gastric Bypass Complications- Possible Complications of Gastric Bypass to be Aware of Before Going Under the Knife
Gastric bypass complications is indeed a risk that anyone needs
to consider when planning on undertaking gastric bypass surgery. Even
though death after gastric bypass surgery is rare (less than 2%), there
are a number of complications that can pose a serious risk to your
health if not treated properly. If you arm your with the knowledge of
potential problems, you will have the ability to discuss any questions
and concerns you may have with your doctor. Below are some of the most
common gastric bypass complications and side effects.
Gastric Bypass Procedure
Gastric bypass surgery, or bariatric surgery, is a procedure that makes
the stomach smaller, limiting the amount of food intake. Generally
designed for those who have been unsuccessful at losing weight by diet
and exercise, the surgery allows food to bypass a section of the small
intestine which gives the feeling of fullness more quickly. You would
intake fewer calories, leading to weight loss.
The most common
gastric bypass surgery is known as the Roux-en-Y, which can be
performed by laparoscopic and traditional methods. The other gastric
bypass procedure available is the biliopancreatic diversion bypass, in
which part of the stomach is removed, and the small intestine is
changed to redirect pancreatic juices and bile to meet the food
ingested. Alternatively, Lap-Band surgery is another weight loss
procedure that doesn't involve bypassing and digestive organs.
The
surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes
approximately one to four hours. You can expect to remain in the
hospital 1-7 days after surgery. Complications of gastric bypass
surgery can occur during the procedure, or while in recovery.
Possibilty of Gastric Bypass Complications
There are a range of gastric bypass complications that can occur, ranging to minor side-effects to permanently life altering complications. You should consider all of the following before making a final decision.
Excessive Bleeding
One of the most serious complications of gastric bypass surgery that
can lead to death is excessive bleeding. This can happen if your blood
doesn't clot well, or if a surgeon makes a serious error. Inflammation
of the peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdomen, can also cause
serious damage.
Anastomotic Problems
An anastomosis is a surgical
connection between organs. In the case of gastric bypass surgery, it
is the connection between two parts of the bowel, or the stomach and
bowel. There are a few ways that the anstomosis may create problems
for the patient:
Leakage
The surgeon connects the two
organs with either staples or sutures, making a water-tight
connection. While undergoing the natural healing process, the body
should create a seal in between the organs. However, if the seal fails
to form, fluid in the gastrointestinal tract can leak into the
abdominal cavity. This leads to infection and possibly forming an
abscess. Symptoms of leakage include abdominal pain, shortness of
breath, anxiety, heart palpitations, and severe chest pain.
An
anastomic leak can occur in roughly 2% of gastric bypass procedures and
can be deadly if not recognized and treated immediately. A leak is
treated by antibiotics and immediate operation.
Stricture
An anastomotic stricture is one of the most common complications of
gastric bypass. A stricture is scar tissue that shrinks, making the
opening of the anastomosis smaller. Usually, food passage will be
enough to keep it open, but if inflammation and healing is too rapid,
the scarring may make the opening too small. The stricture will make
the opening so small that liquids are unable to pass through.
An anastomotic stricture is corrected by inflating a balloon inside the
connection, stretching the opening. Depending on the severity of the
stricture, the procedure may have to be performed more than once.
Ulcer
Anastomotic ulcers can be caused by multiple factors. Among those are:
- Restriction of blood supply to the anastomosis
- Gastric Acid
- Tension of anastomosis
- Smoking
- Helicobacter Pylori (ulcer-causing bacteria)
- Use of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (prescription and over the counter pain medications)
Ulcers are treated by prescription such as Nexium and Sucralfate, and by restricting solid foods for a period of time.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is a disorder in which the contents in the stomach are
delivered to the small intestine too rapidly. The dumping reaction
occurs when the patient eats sugary food that then passes rapidly into
the bowel. Dumping usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes and is very
uncomfortable. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea,
dizziness, faintness, increased and rapid heart rate, breaking into
cold sweats, and hypotension.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Another gastric bypass complication is nutritional deficiency. Common problems include:
- Inadequate absorption of calcium.
- Iron deficiency
- Thiamine deficiency
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Thiamine deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Protein malnutrition
These deficiencies are usually treated by supplementation.
Other Complications
Other complications include:
- Blood Clots
- Gallstones (your doctor should check for gallstones before surgery)
- Hernias
- Bowel Obstruction
Gastric Bypass Surgery Side-Effects
In addition to gastric
bypass complications after surgery, you may experience side-effects as
your body adjusts to the changes and reacts to rapid weight loss. Some
of the most common gastric bypass surgery side effects experienced in
the first 3-6 months include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body aches
- Intolerance to food
- Exhaustion
- Mood changes
- Changed/irregular bowel habits
- Feeling cold/intolerance to cold
- Dry Skin
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Dehydration
- Increased and/or excessive flatulence
What You Can Do to Avoid Some Complications of Gastric Bypass
Although most complications are out of your control, there are a few
precautions you can take to aid in a successful recovery. If you know
that you have bleeding problems, notify your doctor before the
surgery. Avoid heavy lifting. Take any and all vitamin supplements
recommended by your doctor. If you experience abdominal pain,
dehydration, or fever, notify your doctor.
Reduce the potential for dumping syndrome by avoiding sweets and sugary foods.
Video About Gastric Bypass Complications
Related Topics that May be Useful
- Tummy Tuck Scars - Tummy Tuck Scars-How to Reduce and Conceal the Appearance of a Tummy Tuck Scar
- Liposuction Alternative - Natural and Medical Non-Surgical Alternatives to Liposuction
- Neck Liposuction-Guide to Neck Lipo and Neck Lift Procedures, Benefits, and Costs
- Stomach Surgery- Guide to Stomach Surgery for Weight Loss and Cosmetic Surgery
- Mini Tummy Tuck--Basics of the Procedure, Recovery Time and Cost of a Partial Abdominoplasty Operation