5 major side effects of weight loss surgery

Side effect of weight loss surgery

For people who have been obese and overweight for a long time and are feeling difficult to lose weight, Bariatric surgery is proven to be extremely effective. Bariatric surgery includes surgeries like gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries. 

It is a procedure that involves changing the digestive system which assists in weight loss. Experts consider that bariatric surgery is the best option for people who are obese and are unable to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular workout. 

All of the bariatric surgeries are complex procedures and no procedure is without side effects and potential risks. If anyone is considering bariatric surgery then before jumping in on it they must know the potential side effects that occur after bariatric surgery.

 

There are several side effects associated with bariatric surgeries, there are common side effects, long-term side effects, side effects according to the type of bariatric surgery, and major side effects. In this article, we will learn about all of those.

Table of Contents

Common risk factors and side effects of bariatric surgery:

  • Acid reflux
  • Anesthesia-related risks
  • Chronic nausea and vomiting
  • Dilation of esophagus
  • Inability to eat certain foods
  • Infection
  • Obstruction of stomach
  • Weight gain or failure to lose weight

Long term side effects associated with bariatric surgery:

  • Dumping syndrome, a condition where food from the stomach is dumped into the large intestine without proper digestion
  • Low blood sugar
  • Malnutrition
  • Vomiting
  • Ulcers
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Hernias

Side effects according to the type of bariatric surgery:

Side effects of gastric bypass: 

  • Breakage
  • Dumping syndrome
  • Gallstones
  • Hernia
  • Internal bleeding
  • Leakage
  • Malnutrition
  • Perforation of stomach or intestines
  • Pouch/anastomotic obstruction or bowel obstruction
  • Pulmonary and/or cardiac problems
  • Skin separation
  • Spleen or other organ injuries

Side effects of gastric sleeve:

  • Blood clots
  • Gallstones
  • Hernia
  • Internal bleeding
  • Leakage
  • Perforation of stomach or intestines
  • Skin separation
  • Stricture
  • Vitamin or iron deficiency

Side effects of the adjustable gastric band:

  • Band slippage
  • Blood clots
  • Food intolerance
  • Infection
  • Malnutrition
  • Perforation of the stomach
  • Vitamin deficiencies

Side effects of Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch:

  • Blood clots
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Dumping syndrome
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Gallstones
  • Hernia
  • Infection
  • Low blood sugar
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Leakage
  • Malnutrition
  • Stomach perforation
  • Ulcers
  • Vomiting

Major side effects of weight loss surgery:

As discussed earlier bariatric surgeries come with lots of side effects and long-term complications. 5 of such major complications that a patient might get due to bariatric surgeries are:

Dumping syndrome:

Dumping syndrome is a condition in which the stomach of the patient empties quickly after the surgery. Dumping syndrome is a medical situation in which the stomach of the patient dumps its contents into the first part of the small intestine quicker than it would do normally. Dumping syndrome is also known as rapid gastric emptying. During this syndrome, the patient may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue as the food is not digested properly and the body doesn’t absorb needed nutrients.

Low blood sugar:

Low blood sugar is one of the serious complications that occur with bariatric surgery. This mostly appears in 2 to 3 years after the gastric bypass surgery and may eventually lead to consciousness and seizures which may cause several accidents. This condition is called hypoglycemia. People with hypoglycemic unawareness do not know their blood sugar is decreasing. If you have this condition, your blood sugar can drop without you noticing it. Without immediate treatment, you can faint, experience a seizure, or even go into a coma.

Very low blood sugar is a medical emergency.

Malnutrition post the surgery:

Malnutrition post-surgery can be a life-threatening condition for the patients who went through the surgery. It usually develops in months and even after the years of surgery. Bariatric surgery will practically reduce the amount of food you eat, which means your body will get less food which means fewer nutrients and malnutrition. This leads to the body undergoing deficiencies of several micros and macronutrients and thus leaving the body vial for many diseases.

Bowel obstructions:

Bowel obstruction is when the digested food is prevented from normally passing through the bowel. In simple words, it is a serious problem that occurs when something blocks your bowels, either your large or small intestine. It’s also known as an intestinal obstruction.

Bariatric surgeries will cause bowel obstructions such as abdominal distension, vomiting, gassiness, and many more. These can over time turn into major life-threatening things to the patients and thus need immediate medical attention. Bowel obstruction is common after any kind of bariatric surgery.

Internal hernias:

One of the major complications of bariatric surgeries is internal hernias. The internal hernias are nothing but some severe obstructions or holes in the lining of the stomach. These obstructions or holes create severe damage to the inner lining of the stomach leading to several complicated stomach issues along with other health issues.

Now that you know all about the side effects of bariatric surgeries. Talk to your doctor before you decide if you are going through surgery or not. Here is the list of top bariatric surgeons.