Weight loss surgery is one of those issues that can leave people very divided on what to do or think about the procedures. Weight loss surgery, often called bariatric surgery or gastric bypass surgery, is a surgical way of making the stomach area smaller, thus helping the patient eat much less. By eating less, the patient loses weight – in some cases, enormous amounts of weight in a short period of time.
It is often recommended for those who are facing serious health risks due to their weight. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and the like can be alleviated or even reversed with gastric surgery. But as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Understanding the risks, and then weighing them against the potential positive outcomes, will help you make a choice on whether weight loss surgery is right for you.
The Risks
Any surgery runs the risk of excessive bleeding, infection, or reactions to the anesthesia. These risks are not unique to gastric bypass surgery, but they are a very real consideration. If your immune system is weakened, you have any conditions that could cause serious bleeding, or if you have shown an adverse reaction to anesthesia in the past, think long and hard before having any surgery, including weight loss procedures.
Risks more specific to weight loss surgery include:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as a result of eating so much less
- Dehydration, as a result of drinking less
- An intolerance to certain foods
- Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, again as a result of eating less
- A bleeding stomach ulcer or hernia at the incision site
- Kidney stones or gallstones
Other serious problems, such as blood clotting in the legs, pneumonia, issues with the surgery itself, and a risk of death from the surgery are all slight possibilities, but are possible nonetheless. No surgery is risk-free, and the same holds true for any sort of weight loss procedure.
But keep in mind the benefits of the surgery as well. Often weight loss surgery is done because the patient has several looming medical problems that will become worse without the surgery. The risk of diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and even death is lessened by the weight loss that results from the surgery. Problems like sleep apnea and acid reflux are also lessened. The weight lost means you can be more active, which then results in even further weight loss – and the benefits are increased over time.
If you are considering weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about what you can expect, and carefully weigh the pros and cons before making that very important decision.
