Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

Since everything has both, pros and cons, weight loss surgery too, rings many deep-buried desires along with potential risks in the mind. Weight loss surgery, more commonly called Bariatric surgery, is usually meant for those who are overweight or obese (people who have Body Mass Index between 35 to 40 or more than that). Sometimes, people who have got hazardous co-morbid conditions and physical problems need to undergo this surgery. The idea of weight loss surgery becomes the only option to go for, when all other weight loss therapies like exercises, supplements, diet etc. fail to work. From what has been mentioned earlier, every surgery has certain complications which could vary from person to person.

What to do?

Prior to going for weight loss surgery, it is wise to consult your doctor and seek for the best advice. Bariatric surgery is not recommended unless and until, every other option for loosing weight has been evaluated. One is required to discuss the all the things clearly with the doctor, ranging from minor problems to serious ailments. A clear-cut discussion of medical history and other health problems with the doctor could lead to exact decision or answer to the body weight. And success of weight loss surgery begins with high spirits and gradually progress through the well-tested operations.

Risks and Complications

Weight loss (bariatric) surgery is not any cosmetic surgery, but a proper surgical treatment where all risks and benefits to the patient are assessed beforehand. Its wholehearted success depends on lifelong changes in diet and exercise. One might also come across problems after surgery which may call for re-operations. It is possible that one may observe problems long after the surgery and at times, complications might emerge instantly or within a short period of time. Risks involved in bariatric surgery include, however are not limited to:

Perpetual bleeding from a slit to the liver, spleen or blood vessels.
Complications may arise because of anesthesia and medications.
Deep vein thrombosis or blood clots in the large veins could be a serious problem, if hack into the blood vessels of the lungs.
Dehiscence or rupturing of a wound could be another setback.
Wound infections may also occur.
There is a possibility of leaking from a fissure in the staple line between the stomach pouch and small intestine.
Marginal ulcers could happen in the stomach pouch.
Lung (pulmonary) problems like pneumonia or fluid in the lungs may occur.
Spleen injury is common in the majority of the cases. Sometimes, spleen is removed to control operative bleeding.
A corrective procedure may be required to lessen the connection between stomach pouch and intestine, called Stenosis.
One may also require additional surgery to get rid off bowel obstruction.
Patients, who are extremely obese, are more prone to get cardiac problems or diseases.
Gastrointestinal dysfunction, for example long-term nausea or food intolerance, could be another complication.
Hernia is quite a common risk that further requires to be treated.
Complications or problems may come about to conceive a baby or during pregnancy.

In case Bariatric Surgery is carried out laparoscopically and complications crop up in the operation, open surgery could be the alternative to settle on.

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