Weight loss surgery comes with side effects. As is the case for any surgery, side effects and complications are always a risk. It boils down to weighing up your options, carrying out research and keeping your mind open to alternative methods. We’re answering what bariatric medicine is and discussing the associated side effects.
Common Risks and Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery
As we’ve mentioned, there’s no reward without risk. (insensitive?) Despite the popularity and success of these methods, it’s important to not overlook the potential side effects of weight loss surgery. The most common side effects of bariatric surgery are:
- Nausea and vomiting: Experiencing nausea and vomiting is not too uncommon post-surgery. Unsurprisingly so – it affects ⅔ of bariatric patients. Now that the size of the stomach is reduced, the feeling of nausea can be easily provoked. Adjusting to new eating habits, indulging in overeating or rapid eating are some causes.
- Dumping syndrome: Dumping syndrome is due to the rapid movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. If the food isn’t digested properly, it can bring about nausea, dizziness and diarrhoea.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Reduced food intake and malabsorption can prompt nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies are the most commonly reported. Procedures such as gastric bypass can reduce nutrient absorption.
- Infection: Post-operative infections can occur at the incision site. Bladder infections and pneumonia are also potential risks.
Long-Term Risks of Weight Loss Surgery
Short-term side effects are to be expected. However, it’s critical to understand the possible long-term side effects of bariatric surgery. While manageable, some can end up affecting one’s quality of life.
- Bowel obstruction: The incidence of small bowel obstruction after a gastric bypass ranges from 0.2% – 4.5%. It can result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and reduced bowel function.
- Hernias: The risk of developing a hernia post-surgery ranges from 5%-25%. Three types of hernia, in particular, have been most reported: internal hernia; trocar hernia; hiatal hernia.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding: While the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding is rare, it can be quite severe. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in 1%-4% of cases.
Bariatric Surgery Risks and Complications by Procedure
The umbrella term of weight loss surgery is comprised of gastric bypass, gastric band and gastric sleeve. Bariatric patients are at a higher risk of experiencing complications related to gastrointestinal functioning, the formation of hernias and more.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass (also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) involves altering how the stomach and small intestine digest food. A small pouch is created from the stomach and is corrected to the small intestine. Gastric bypass patients may experience side effects years after the procedure. Risks and complications can include:
- Gastric leaking: Occurs in 1.5%-6% of cases. Food or digestive juices can leak through the connection between the pouch and the small intestine causing fever, stomach pain and nausea.
- GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus. Due to the changes in stomach anatomy, there is an increased chance of this chronic condition.
- Gallstones: Gallstones are hardened masses of bile which cause pain and discomfort. They are most common in the first year after gastric bypass surgery. Anatomical changes, rapid weight loss, and changes in bile composition cause them.
Gastric Band
Gastric bands (also known as lap-band surgery) involve placing an adjustable, saline-filled band around the upper stomach. The creation of a small pouch helps decrease appetite. While it is considered less invasive, there are complications with gastric band surgery:
- Band erosion: In 1%-3% of cases, the band can eventually erode through the stomach wall. It happens as the ban consistently brushes against the stomach or the oesophagus, causing infection, bowel obstruction, sepsis and obstruction.
- Band slippage: Gastric band slippage happens when the band slips out of place. The stomach herniates through the band causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or gastric perforation.
- GERD: Some patients may experience new or exacerbated acid reflux symptoms.
- Band intolerance: The body may have issues digesting certain foods or not adjust well to the band. Patients will know that the band is too tight if they are having discomfort when eating soft foods or liquids.
Gastric Sleeve
The gastric sleeve procedure (also known as sleeve gastrectomy) involves removing a large portion of the stomach. Up to 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a “sleeve”. The surgery restricts food intake, leading to weight loss. However, there are risks and complications associated with a gastric sleeve:
- Leakage: Gastrointestinal leaking is one of the most dreaded risks of gastric sleeve surgery. In addition, a leak along the staple line can lead to infection, abscess, and in severe cases, sepsis.
- Nutritional deficiencies: The incidence of nutritional deficiencies following a gastric sleeve is lower than a gastric bypass. However, it is not unheard of. Deficiencies in vitamins B12, D, E and iron are most common.
- Blood clots: As with any major surgery, there’s a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
For those seeking more in-depth information, we’ve carried out a comprehensive comparison of gastric balloon vs gastric sleeve.
Non-surgical Alternatives for Bariatric Care
Given the potential risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery, many individuals are seeking safer alternatives for significant weight loss. One such option is the Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon. The world’s first adjustable balloon has shown the same level of success, without having to go under the knife.
Contrary to traditional gastric balloons, the Spatz3 is a non-surgical treatment. The balloon is inserted in the stomach endoscopically, and no incision or surgery is required to get the same results.
Unlike traditional bariatric surgeries, the balloon can be adjusted to meet the needs of the patient. Since it can be tailored to your needs, the gastric balloon and weight maintenance go hand in hand. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, it is also a reversible procedure. When compared to non-adjustable gastric balloons, the weight-loss success rates are enhanced by its key feature: adaptability.
The Spatz3 offers long-term advantages however, it is important to understand the associated side effects. Nausea and discomfort are not uncommon in the first few days following the procedure. This adjustment period is to be expected. Premature removal may be necessary however, it only occurs in less than 3 in 100 patients. To get a better overview of the gastric balloon’s advantages, take a look at our gastric balloon vs gastric band analysis.
Weighing Up The Pros And Cons
The side effects of weight loss surgery are not to be taken lightly. While some side effects are rare, they have been reported. If you’re still on the fence about reasons not to get bariatric surgery, remember that there are alternative, reversible and more cost-effective options available.
