Obesity ranks number two in the causative factors that affect the mortality rate in the US. Obesity predisposes people to health complications that eventually lead to premature death if neglected. When diet and exercise seem less effective, people lean toward the possibility of an effective alternative: gastric bypass surgery. However, the risks involved with gastric bypass surgery make people hesitant to undergo the procedure.
If you come to think of it, obesity itself decreases your quality of life and there is no reason for you not to go for the better choice. A gastric bypass surgery, otherwise known as a bariatric surgery, has been proven to be a safe procedure with 99.9% survival rate. Risks fall within 30 days postoperatively and complications likely happen to several patients. Complications depend on the type of operation you choose and the more effective it is in eliminating excess weight, the more likely you’ll encounter complications. But you need not worry because specialist that found ways to handle the risks involved with gastric bypass surgery.
Here are 5 of the major risks that one could get from a Gastric Bypass Surgery:
Cardiac Problems
If you go over your weight, you would most probably end up having a heart problem if you don’t seek treatment. If you undergo an internal surgical intervention such as a bypass surgery, blood loss is expected. Hence, more cardiac workload is needed. Some cardiovascular-related problems include deep vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and stroke.
Hernia
A person who had such treatment might also get three different kinds of hernia: abdominal, incisional, and hiatal hernia. Hernias are obstructions, holes, or defects found inside the stomach or groin area. This is common to those who have undergone an open surgery this is why doctors suggest that patients refrain doing weight-bearing activities post-surgery.
Respiratory Failure
Under general anesthesia, a patient might also encounter respiratory problems like pulmonary embolism. This is usually caused by a clot formation in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs. When these clots are not removed, they grow bigger and impede the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When the patient’s immune system is weak, there is a chance that he might also develop pneumonia or a reactive airway disease.
Infection
When incisions are not sealed properly, there would be an anastomotic leak from the bowel into the abdomen. This occurrence will then lead to abscess formation that causes an infection. When there is infection, the individual will require close monitoring with further treatment. This is one of the risks involved with gastric bypass surgery that you should never neglect because a simple infection can lead to multiple organ failure.
Nutritional Problems
Post-surgery, patients tend to have a feeling of fullness after eating. Their food intake become less than usual brought by the reduced stomach pouch from the gastric bypass. When that happens, they are prone to poor nutrition. Achlorhydia, a condition where the stomach has insufficient amount of acid, may lead to bacterial growth. This is why doctors recommend medications to stabilize the acidity levels and formulate a plan to make sure they get the daily nutritional value every patient needs.
Learn more about the gastric bypass surgery at http://www.surgery.usc.edu/uppergi-general/bariatric.html.
Every surgery involves risks. We discuss the risks involved with gastric bypass surgery. Check out our informative articles before you decide.
