Surgery Benefits and Risks

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

• Studies have shown that severe obesity is associated with very high risk of health problems, early death and cancer.
• The loss of as little as 10% of excess weight has been shown to reduce or eliminate the use of medications for associated diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and lipid disorders.
• Patients can get back to a regular exercise routine, which can further enhance results.
• Sleep apnea and shortness of breath can be reduced or eliminated.
• Improved self-esteem and establishing a new healthier lifestyle can be the end result.

Risks Involved

Surgery for severe obesity is a major operation in which complications can arise when performed by a laparoscopic technique. Overall risk of complications:

• 5% of patients have a risk of a complication related to the surgery

• Less than 1% risk of death

Other than the known risk of anesthesia and any major abdominal surgery, the specific problems which have been reported include:

• Infection secondary to leakage from the stomach or intestine
• Bleeding or injury to the spleen
• GI tract obstruction secondary to adhesions scarring or strictures
• Malnutrition or anemia
• Ulcers
• Chronic vomiting or diarrhea