Bariatric Surgery: Understanding Risks & Benefits of Weight Loss Procedures
The advanced surgical technology used nowadays permits accuracy that could only be dreamed of in the open surgery era. Moreover, due to being minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery has reduced chance for incisions site infections and surgery complications to occur. Despite all these great advantages, as it already shows, bariatric surgery is in fact surgery and as such, a perfect result with no complications and dramatic weight loss is dependant on a series of factors. This delicate balance leaves room for potential complications to occur. Some of these are surgery type related; others are diet and lifestyle related.
Early side-effects include:- Dumping syndrome
- Intolerance to certain foods, especially dairies
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Hair loss
- Demoralization
Complications include:- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B12, calcium, magnesium, iron)
- Anemia
- Gastric pain
- Ulcers
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pulmonary disease
- Leaks (stomach and intestines)
- Metabolic disease
Though nobody can guarantee an entirely eventless healing process after bariatric surgery, weight loss surgeons and dietitians are able to help with lifestyle instructions that minimize the chance for complications to occur and provide the base for quick and efficient healing. General rules that are valid for every weight loss surgery patient are simple: no smoking, no alcohol, a healthy, balanced diet (which includes adequate hydration) and a well-designed exercise plan. It is a good idea to meet with other weight loss surgery patients and share thoughts and experiences, as this can boost motivation and strengthen will power. Almost every weight loss clinic throughout the United States organizes support groups and meetings for its patients. Statistics show that weight loss patients regularly attending support groups and meeting other patients have a better outcome.
If you experience one or more side-effects or weight loss surgery related complications contact immediately the medical staff of the clinic where you underwent surgery and ask a consultation with your bariatric surgeon.
Dr. Thomas E. Lavin is the founder of SSL - Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. He performs minimally invasive weight loss surgery.
