SHORT-TERM COMPLICATIONS (1-7 days)
These common complications are usually minor and resolve within days or weeks:
- Bleeding from skin incisions – usually resolves in 1 to 3 days.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
More serious complications, although rare, are also possible. These include:
- Leak, abscess and infection
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood clots involving the lower extremities)
- Pulmonary embolus
- Death
LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (multivitamins are useful)
- Peripheral neuropathy (disorders resulting from injury to the peripheral nerves)
- Osteoporosis and bone loss
- Abdominal wall hernia
- Excessive weight loss and malnutrition
- Inadequate weight loss
PREGNANCY
- Many studies show that pregnant obese patients and their babies are at increased risk. Studies also document potential complications of pregnancy after gastric bypass operation
OTHER RISKS
- Narrowing or ulceration of the connection between the stomach and the small bowel has been reported in one series in about 20% of all patients undergoing gastric bypass.
- Narrowing or ulceration of the connection between the stomach and the small bowel
- Bile Reflux Gastritis occurs when bile flows back into the stomach.
- Fistulas (an abnormal passage leading from one hollow organ to another) abscess and infection have been seen in gastric bypass operations.
- Dumping Syndrome (vasomotor and cardiovascular problems with weakness, sweating, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness) occurs in some patients with bypass.
- Gallstones requiring postoperative laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To decrease this risk we have begun using Actigall.
- Adhesions, scar tissue caused by healing after surgery, are much less common after laparoscopy.
- Persistent diarrhea
Find out now if Mini-Gastric Bypass is right for you.
