Gastric Bypass Surgery Risks
What are the gastric bypass surgery risks? It is surgery, so there is the possibility of complications. There are also side effects of this weight loss surgery you need to know before you decide on the surgery.
Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery
As with any major surgery, there are complications associated with gastric bypass. Some are quite serious, some less so.
The worst of the complications of gastric bypass surgery is death. The good news is that the risk is quite small, at less than 1%, either on the operating table or shortly afterwards.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can become a serious complication, and one that’s often overlooked or downplayed. With the bypass procedures, vitamin and mineral uptake by the body is very limited. For example, vitamin B12 is absorbed in the stomach and intestines, and since these are largely bypassed, a supplement is a must. You really do need to take your vitamin and mineral supplements regularly.
Infection is a possible gastric bypass surgery risk. This means you should choose an experienced surgeon with an excellent reputation.
Side Effects of Gastric Bypass
There are side effects to gastric bypass — your life will change, and you need to know what to expect. How much can you eat? Are there certain foods you’ll have to avoid? Valid questions you shoudld ask!
I previously mentioned that you need to take your supplements, because there are side effects of vitamin deficiencies, like brittle nails, brain fog, feeling exhausted, muscle pains and more.
Other side effects include hair loss, thrombosis and “dumping syndrome”. Dumping symptoms include lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, diarrhea. Unfortunately, dumping affects roughly 40% of all bypass patients, and generally occurs after eating sweets.
Evaluate the Gastric Bypass Surgery Risks
For many people, gastric bypass surgery is a literal life-saver! Only you can evaluate the gastric bypass surgery risks, complications and side effects might affect your life.