WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY FAQ's
These FAQ's are designed to give you answers to common questions people have about weight loss surgery. If you do not find answers to your questions regarding bariatric surgery please call.
- What are the risks/ complications associated with Weight Loss Surgery?
- One or all of the following conditions and/or complications are possible following all types of weight loss surgery procedures, as well as all types of bariatric procedures (example: endoscopy):
Potentially serious complications
a. Surgical:- Perforation of stomach/intestine or leakage, causing peritonitis or abscess
- Internal bleeding requiring transfusion
- Severe wound infection, opening of the wound, incisional hernia
- Spleen injury requiring removal/other organ injury
- Gastric outlet or bowel obstruction
b. Pulmonary:- Pneumonia, atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue), fluid in chest
- Respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs)
- Blood clots in legs/lungs (embolism)
c. Cardiovascular:- Myocardial infarction (heart attack), congestive heart failure
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)n
- Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
d. Kidney and liver:- Acute kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Hepatitis (may progress to cirrhosis)
e. Psychosocial:- Anorexia nervosa, bulimia
- Postoperative depression, dysfunctional social problems
- Psychosis
f. Death
Other complications (may become serious):
- Minor wound or skin infection/scarring, deformity, loose skin
- Urinary tract infection
- Allergic reactions to drugs or medications
- Vomiting or nausea/inability to eat certain foods/improper eating
- Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), acid reflux (heartburn)
- Low sodium, potassium, or blood sugar; low blood pressure
- Problems with the outlet of the stomach (narrowing or stretching)
- Anemia, metabolic deficiency (iron, vitamins, minerals), temporary hair loss
- Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramping, malodorous stool or gas
- Development of gallstones or gallbladder disease
- Stomach or outlet ulcers (peptic ulcer)
- Staple-line disruption, weight gain, failure to lose satisfactory weight
- Intolerance to refined sugars (dumping), with nausea, sweating, weakness
- One or all of the following conditions and/or complications are possible following all types of weight loss surgery procedures, as well as all types of bariatric procedures (example: endoscopy):
- What is done to minimize the risk vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE)?
- Because a DVT originates on the operating table, therapy begins before a patient goes to the operating room. All patients are treated with leg compression stockings and possibly in some cases they are given a blood thinner prior to surgery. The major preventive measure involves getting the patient moving and out of bed as soon as possible after the operation to restore normal blood flow in the legs.
- Will I have a lot of pain?
- Every attempt is made to control pain after surgery to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery. Often several drugs are used together to help manage your post-surgery pain.
- Will the doctor leave a drain in after surgery?
- This varies by procedure and surgeon but generally for the Gastric Sleeve & Gastric Bypass patients they will have a small tube to allow drainage of any accumulated fluids from the abdomen. This is a safety measure, and is usually removed a few days after the surgery (before your release from the hospital.) Generally, it produces no more than minor discomfort.
- How soon will I be able to walk?
- Almost immediately after surgery your surgeon will require you to get up and move about. This aids in your recovery and prevents complications.
- Will I be asked to stop smoking?
- Patients are encouraged to stop smoking at least one month before surgery.
- If I continue to smoke, what happens?
- Smoking increases the risk of lung problems after surgery, can reduce the rate of healing, increases the rates of infection, and interferes with blood supply to the healing tissues. Some of our surgeons are very strict on this policy; you may also be sent home without surgery because of the risk involved.
- How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
- Your hospital stay will depend on the type of weight loss surgery you have. Generally, hospital stays are between one and three days..
- How long will I be off work?
- Your time off of work will depend on the type of weight loss surgery you have, how quickly you start to walk after surgery and your overall health condition before having Weight Loss Surgery. On average, most of our patients return to work within one week.
- Is sexual activity restricted?
- Patients can return to normal sexual intimacy when wound healing and discomfort permit. Many patients experience a drop in desire for about six weeks.