Tips to Avoiding Complications After Bariatric Surgery

Obesity poses serious health concerns, like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. More than 40% of adults in the U.S. struggle with obesity; however, nearly 580,000 people worldwide have taken steps toward a healthier lifestyle with bariatric surgery.

Risks Associated With Bariatric Surgery

Many effective bariatric surgeries are available for those seeking weight-loss solutions. No matter which procedure you select, bariatric surgery is still considered a major operation. Any major surgery will come with a few risks. However, you can educate yourself and talk with your surgeon about these complications to determine which procedure is best for you.

LAP-Band or Gastric Band 

LAP-Band bariatric surgery complications can include:

• Nausea & vomiting
• Constipation
• Difficulty swallowing
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Port problems
• Outlet obstruction
• Band slippage
• Esophageal dilation and/or pouch dilation
• Band erosion
• Band intolerance

Duodenal Switch (Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch)

Duodenal switch bariatric surgery complications can include:

• Internal bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots 
• Hernias

Gastric Sleeve (Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Gastric sleeve bariatric surgery complications can include:

• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Hernias
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Malnutrition
• Vomiting

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y (RNY)

Gastric bypass bariatric surgery complications can include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Dumping syndrome
• Gallstones
• Hernias
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Malnutrition
• Stomach perforation
• Ulcers
• Vomiting

Avoid Weight-Loss Surgery Complications

Only about 7% of patients experience complications just after bariatric surgery; however, we separate these complication into immediate and long-term risks.

Immediate Risks

Nutrition: One of the most common complications is nutritional deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, iron, vitamin B1, thiamine, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, copper, and vitamin A/E/K. 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is the backflow of a person’s stomach contents, which can cause acid reflux and heartburn. This can lead to issues with the esophagus, resulting in symptoms such as heartburn, sore throat, trouble swallowing, chronic cough, and chest pain.

Anesthesia-Related Risks: Obesity is tied to medical conditions that may lead to anesthesia risks, like locating veins, proper oxygen and airflow, and breathing tube placement.

Chronic Nausea and Vomiting: Light nausea and vomiting are normal, but if it continues for more than a few days, contact your surgeon. 

Food Intolerance: Your body won’t digest certain foods the way it should post-surgery. This can lead to malnutrition and should be addressed immediately. 

Long-Term Risks

Dumping Syndrome: a condition that results in food being “dumped” from the stomach pouch directly into the small intestine. There are two types, “early dumping” and “late dumping,” both of which pose a series of specific side effects.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Can occur years after surgery, with episodes occurring 2-3 hours after eating.

Stomach Ulcers: Sores in the lining of your stomach or intestines that can cause pain.

Bowel Obstruction: When there is a kink around a formed adhesion, resulting in a blockage.

Hernias: Organ or tissue protruding through a weak spot in the surrounding tissue.

Prevention

When you’ve settled on your choice of bariatric surgery, avoid weight-loss surgery complications with proper education and preparation. 

Support Systems

Identify a detailed support system to assist with daily activities, transportation, and health monitoring. Wellstar offers education classes, nutrition planning, physical activity consultations, and more for additional support.

Hydrate

An average adult body contains 50-65% water. Dehydration is one of the most common post-bariatric surgery side effects. It’s recommended to drink 64-96 ounces of water per day post-surgery. 

Protein

Include protein in each meal to aid incision healing, hormone and enzyme levels, immune system antibodies, and your metabolism.

Stay Active

The quicker you start moving, the lower the risks of complication. Start with sitting up, deep breathing, and flexibility exercises, then move onto short, daily walks

No Tobacco Products

Smoking increases the risk of postoperative complications such as prolonged intubation, re-intubation, sepsis, shock, and infection.

Post-Procedure Plan

The first 12 months post-surgery is crucial in complication prevention. Attend each follow-up appointment to prevent any complications that may arise. Sticking to your surgeon’s post-op instructions is essential to your recovery.

Personalized Support

At Wellstar, our experienced bariatric surgeons work with you to determine personalized recommendations for a seamless recovery, tailored to your needs. Our bariatric program provides premier medical care and comprehensive care throughout your weight-loss journey, from your first evaluation to nutrition counseling and follow-up support.

Contact Wellstar to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.