Gastric Bypass Surgery Risks

There are many risks associated with the gastric bypass surgery that any potential gastric bypass candidate must be aware of in order to make an informed decision regarding the procedure. It is important to remember that a gastric bypass surgery is a major surgery and much like any other major surgery some of these risks can be severe and there is even a possibility of death associated with the procedure.

These gastric bypass risks can include things like bleeding or incision infection but there is also the potential of having issues with the lungs ad heart. You may also have an intestinal blockage brought on by the procedure as well as a hernia most likely caused by the body’s rejection of the suture materials.

Because the gastric bypass is a major surgery there is also the need for general anesthesia which in itself caries its own list of risks. Although in a person of average weight there is less likely to be a complication brought on by the general anesthesia, persons who are morbidly obese are more likely to suffer from an anesthesia related complication.

There is the possibility that the fluid for the intestines or stomach may leak into the abdominal cavity. This is a serious complication but it is also rare and is one of the reasons that the gastric bypass patient is required to stay at the hospital for observation following the procedure. Another uncommon risk is the possibility of a spleen injury in which the spleen uncontrollably bleeds and requires removal.

A gastric bypass patient may also incur ulcers which not only can be dangerous but painful as well. This is an uncommon risk associated with a gastric bypass and about 4 out of every 100 gastric bypass patients will get an ulcer either in the stomach or in the intestines.

The most dreaded risk associated with a gastric bypass is of course dumping syndro0me witch is brought on by the ingestion of sugars and other types of food. Dumping syndrome includes severe stomach cramping, diarrhea, sweating, heart palpitations and even dizziness. This risk can be prevented by the patient only and it only requires that you eat only what is on your diet list of approved foods and eat no more than your 1 cup stomach pouch can handle.