What are some of the possible complications from the Gastric Bypass?
A patient can develop deep venous thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg) that can be life-threatening. If the blood clot travels to the heart and lungs it can cause death. A leak from the sites where the bowel is reconnected can occur and this can cause severe infection and lead to death. Re-operation may be necessary for a number of reasons. Leaks, narrowing of the connection sites, bleeding, injury to other organs are some of the reasons re-operation may become necessary. The goal of the surgery is to perform a gastric bypass laparoscopically however there is no guarantee that the operation will be completed laparoscopically. If the procedure cannot be completed safely with the laparoscopic method an open technique may become necessary although our intention is to avoid an open technique if possible. There is no guarantee that the patient will lose as much weight as they wish and likewise there is no guarantee that the patient will not lose too much weight. Vitamin and mineral deficien
