While no one wants to admit it, there are risks to any weight loss surgery. They should be talked about more often, as around 20% of patients will experience some type of complication during or after their bariatric procedure.
To start this conversation, the surgeons at BMI address common complications associated with weight loss surgery, like dumping syndrome, nutrient deficiencies, and gallstones, and ways to prevent or manage these issues.
What Complications Can Occur With Bariatric Surgery?
Knowing what to expect before surgery can alleviate anxiety and help you feel more empowered. Like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery comes with the risk of complications. These include, but are not limited to:
Dumping Syndrome
Certain bariatric procedures, like gastric bypass, impact how food moves through the digestive system. When food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, it can lead to a condition called dumping syndrome. Symptoms include:
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Flushed skin
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Feelings of fullness
- Dizziness or fainting
You can prevent or manage these symptoms by eating smaller meals and limiting your consumption of sugar. In most cases, dumping syndrome is a mild condition that goes away on its own within a few weeks. If symptoms last longer than that, consult with your surgeon for more effective treatment.
Gallstones
Put simply, gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder as a result of a variety of issues, which include:
- Too much cholesterol in the bile
- High bilirubin levels
- A lack of bile salts in the bile
- The gallbladder does not empty properly
Symptoms of Gallstones
While gallstones sound harmless, if severe enough, you may require your gallbladder to be removed to resolve the issue. Fortunately, there are signs that indicate the presence of gallstones long before surgery becomes necessary, which include:
- Pain, typically in the:
- Upper abdomen
- Back
- Right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Jaundice
If you notice these symptoms, contact BMI as soon as possible. We can treat gallstones, including through surgery. Gallstones and other gallbladder conditions can potentially be fatal if left untreated, so you need to act quickly.
Risk Factors of Gallstones
Because certain bariatric procedures change how the body processes food, the risk of developing gallstones increases. Other risk factors include:
- Gender – Women are more susceptible to gallstones than men.
- Age – Gallstones are common in adults over the age of 40.
- Obesity – Being obese puts one at a higher risk of gallstones.
- Genetics – Having a family history of gallstones increases your risk.
Your personal risk factors may vary. However, your surgeon can help you determine your risk and take steps to prevent the development of gallstones.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Many bariatric surgeries, like gastric sleeves, reduce your stomach’s capacity. While this means you need to eat less, it also means you may not be getting enough of certain nutrients. Common nutrients patients who have had weight loss surgery may be deficient in include:
- Iron
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Thiamine
- Copper
- Vitamin A
- Folate
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Vitamin K
Consuming foods rich in these nutrients can help reduce your risk of developing deficiencies. However, you may not be getting enough from food alone. In this case, vitamins and nutritional supplements may be helpful.
BMI even sells supplements specially designed for those who have had bariatric surgery at our surgical center and in our online store. Your surgeon can help you determine which nutritional supplements are right for you.
Take Steps to Prevent Surgical Complications With BMI
While the possibility of complications with weight loss surgery can be frightening, the good news is most can be managed or even prevented with simple diet and other lifestyle changes.
A bariatric surgeon, like those at BMI, can help you determine your risk factors and how to best mitigate any complications that arise after your surgery. To get started, contact us at (205) 858-1211.
Determine Your Risk of Surgical Complications at BMI
If you are considering bariatric surgery but are hesitant because of the risk of complications, the BMI team is here to help you make the most informed decision possible. Our surgeons can help you reach your weight loss goals based on your needs and individual risk factors. To learn more, contact us at (205) 858-1211.
