Many obese people have had success losing weight after bariatric surgery; however there are many potential bariatric surgery complications to be aware of before deciding to go under the knife to lose weight.
Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is a procedure typically only considered for extremely obese individuals (BMI 40 or greater), or people who are obese (BMI 35 or greater) and have a serious weight-related health problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. There are different types of bariatric surgeries available in the United States, but each works to alter your digestive system in some way to decrease food intake and/or absorption. Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise and vitamin supplementation are necessary to ensure weight loss after surgery is successful and able to be maintained. Although bariatric surgery can have rewarding results, make sure you’re familiar with potential bariatric surgery complications before making a final decision.
1. Malnutrition
Due to a decrease in food intake and/or nutrient absorption resulting from bariatric surgery, malnutrition can occur especially in patients who do not take the recommended vitamin and mineral supplements. If the malnutrition isn’t addressed, diseases or nervous system damage may develop. Kwashiorkor, pellagra and beri beri are examples of malnutrition-related diseases.
2. Hernias
Incisional and internal hernias can occur as bariatric surgery complications. Although internal hernias are more dangerous, both types of hernias can cause serious complications of not treated.
3. Surgical Complications
There are risks associated with undergoing any type of surgery, and bariatric surgery is no different. Surgical complications may include adverse reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, leaking from the surgery site, infection, blood clots or even death. Bariatric surgery complications are dependent on what type of surgery you elect to have. Talk to your doctor about possible risks of each bariatric procedure you are considering.
4. Side Effects from Rapid Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery typically occurs, especially within the first 3-6 months. Therefore, you may suffer from side effects related to losing weight quickly such as fatigue, feeling cold, body aches, hair thinning, weakness, dry skin or mood changes. These side effects may be temporary during the initial rapid weight loss phase or may last longer depending on the rate and duration of your weight loss.
5. Loose and Saggy Skin
Loose and saggy skin typically occurs after losing a substantial amount of weight. Bariatric surgery candidates are usually 80–100 pounds (or more) overweight before undergoing surgery. Candidates who are successful at losing all of their desired weight will often be left with access skin that is loose and saggy. The good news is that there are cosmetic procedures available to remove that extra skin.
6. Inadequate Weight Loss
About 10 percent of patients who undergo bariatric surgery will have inadequate weight loss or will regain the lost weight. Although this may be due to technical problems during or after surgery, inadequate weight loss or weight regain can typically be prevented by abiding by the diet, exercise and the supplementation regimen prescribed after surgery.
