Bariatric surgery is as safe as gallbladder or appendix surgery in the hands of an expert and experienced doctor.
Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment for obesity, but like any surgery, it does carry some risks and potential complications. Here are some of the common side effects and complications that can occur after bariatric surgery:
Complications during or after Bariatric Surgery, include:
- Complications related to Anaesthesia: Reactions to drugs used (anesthesia) or other medicines. Although rare, these can be serious because they can cause dangerously low blood pressures.
- Complications related to underlying medical illness like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, malnutrition.
- Complications related to Specific Operations, Bariatric Surgery:
- Infection of wound: 1-2%
- Bleeding: 0.1 – 1 %
- Blood clot in legs: 0.5-1%
- Vitamin deficiency: 10-30%
- Ulcer: 1-5%
- Weight Regain: 5-10%
- Conversion to open surgery: In a small number of patients the laparoscopic method is not feasible because of the inability to visualize or handle the organs (stomach or intestine) effectively. The decision to convert to an open procedure is strictly based on patient safety.
It’s important to remember that the risks and complications of bariatric surgery are relatively low, and the benefits of the procedure typically outweigh the risks.
Most patients experience significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health problems after bariatric surgery.