If you’re considering having bariatric surgery, it's important to understand that any medical weight-loss procedure can have risks associated with it. Some of the risks related to weight-loss surgery are similar to any operation that involves the use of general anesthesia and incisions.
These can include:
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Blood loss
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Infection at the surgical site
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Shock (related to blood loss, sepsis or pulmonary embolism)
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Low postoperative urine output/dehydration/urinary retention
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Nausea and vomiting
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Pain
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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/blood clots
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Fever
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Increased heart rate and/or elevated blood pressure during the procedure
The risk of experiencing complications from any type of surgical procedure depends on several factors, including:
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Age and overall health
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Pre-existing problems related to cardiovascular system or breathing
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Diseases such as diabetes, cancer or other factors that can slow the healing process
Postoperative problems related to weight-loss surgery may also include:
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Constipation
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Dumping syndrome, which includes diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting
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Poor absorption of nutrients from food, or malnutrition
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Severe malnutrition, requiring reversal (duodenal switch)
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Hair thinning and/or hair loss
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Heartburn
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Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
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Post-surgical lactose intolerance