Risks & Complications

Although Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass is relatively safe, it is a major operation and there are important and potentially lethal complications known to be associated with this as well as other types of weight loss surgery.  Make sure to ask your surgeon for more detailed explanations if you have any questions about any of the risks listed here.


Short Term Complications (in the first 1 to 7 days)

The most 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.  Oral multi-vitamins are useful in preventing although deficiencies may occur even with supplements and close medical supervision.
	Peripheral neuropathy (disorders resulting from injury to the peripheral nerves) has been reported after operation.
	Osteoporosis and bone loss.
	Abdominal wall hernia.
	Excessive weight loss and malnutrition
	Inadequate weight loss

Other risks include:

	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

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