What are the potential risks and complications of Bariatric Surgery?
• Bleeding • Complications due to anesthesia and medications • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism • Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together) • Infections • Leaks from staple lines • Ulcers in the stomach or small intestines • Respiratory problems • Spleen injury* • Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve) • Dumping syndrome • Nutritional deficiencies • Gallstones • Need to avoid pregnancy for 18-24 months after surgery • Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas, and dizziness • Need for additional operations or procedures • Death According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery 2004 Consensus Statement, the operative morbidity (complications) associated with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in the hands of a skilled surgeon is roughly 5 percent and the operative mortality (death) is roughly 0.5 percent.26 Long-term data for Sleeve Gastrectomy are unavailable, but operative mortality approaches 0.15% for this
