As with any surgery, there are operative and long-term complications and risks associated with gastric bypass obesity surgery including:
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the legs)
- Pulmonary embolus (blood clot on the lungs)
- Infection
- Death
However, in experienced hands the risks associated with gastric bypass surgery nowadays are relatively small. The overall mortality (death) rate is around 0.3% (1:300) and the early complication rate is approximately 6% (6:100).
It is also important to note that although gastric bypass surgery does NOT result in reduced calorie absorption, it can result in reduced absorption of key micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), particularly iron, vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Vitamin D and calcium. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to serious problems. Iron deficiency causes anaemia and weakness, whilst Vitamin D and calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis and other forms of bone disease. Lack of daily B12 and other B vitamins can lead to neurological problems. This is why we recommend that patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery should take VitaWeight™ vitamin and mineral supplements for life.
"Dumping syndrome," in which the consumption of sugar causes abdominal cramping and diarrhoea, can also occur. Some people will also regain some weight in subsequent years.
A word of caution
Although there is no doubt that a gastric bypass operation can be both life-transforming and life-saving, the decision to go ahead with surgery is a serious one. Any general anaesthetic involves a measure of risk and individuals with serious degrees of obesity are at greater risk than their non-obese counterparts.
You should choose your surgeon with care as this is not a procedure for the general surgeon and should only be carried out by those specially trained in obesity surgery. The choice of gastric bypass surgeon is crucial which is why we only work with the world's finest bariatric surgeons.
The need for long-term follow up
A final note of caution is to remember that gastric bypass surgery is not a cure for obesity. It is not a magic bullet, and will not guarantee results without complete dedication by yourself and experienced aftercare by your surgery provider. If you are going to be successful you will have to continue to work on the behaviours which are important for anyone attempting to lose weight, including physical activity, reducing portion sizes, avoiding energy-dense foods etc. For this reason, you should ensure the hospital of your choice has available a structured, long-term behavioural and lifestyle programme, with nutritional support, which you should join immediately after gastric bypass surgery.
