Bariatric Surgery Risks

The bariatric surgery risks are very real, but serious complications to bariatric surgery are rare. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks.

So what are the risks for this life-changing surgery? Let's take a look at what you need to be aware of before you make your decision -- or even before you see a doctor!

Weight loss surgery (WLS) isn't to be approached lightly, but for some, it is literally life-saving. For others, it was a very expensive mistake. The odds are on your side, but different surgeries have different outcomes.

Serious Complications to Bariatric Surgery

The biggest of the serious complications to bariatric surgery is, of course, death. The good news is that the surgical procedures have gotten more refined and safer. Thus, the risk of dying, either on the operating table or shortly thereafter, is less than 1%.

For those having LapBand surgery, developing a stricture is a possibility. This means that somewhere along the line (usually from the mouth to the band), the food passageway closes up. This can be painful with a partial stricture and life-threatening with a total stricture.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can become a serious complication to bariatric surgery. Especially with the bypass procedures, vitamin and mineral uptake by the body is very limited. Vitamin and mineral supplements are a life-long must after surgery, but for those who don't comply, there can be results that range from unpleasant (hair falling out) all the way to death.

Surgical infection is certainly a possibility, making it imperative that you choose an experienced surgeon, as well as a hospital with an excellent reputation. Surgical infection can be as mild as to merely need some antibiotics, to being re-admitted to the hospital and possibly additional surgery.

Lesser Bariatric Surgery Risks

There are other, lesser, bariatric surgery risks. Some of them are associated with a specific weight loss surgery, others can apply to several surgery types. They include (but aren't limited to):

Dumping: Usually only with bypass procedures, it involves one or more of the following -- lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, diarrhea. Affects roughly 40% of all bypass patients, and generally occurs after eating sweets. Dumping can range from unpleasant to serious.

Band Erosion: Found with any banding procedure, the band can irritate the stomach so much that it "eats through". Surgery is needed to remove the band if this happens.

Port Flipping: The port the surgeon uses to inject saline into LapBand patients flips or slides enough that the needle can't access it. Surgery is needed to move the port back into place.

De-stapling: For procedures involving stapling the stomach, the staple line can develop leaks.

Check Your Surgeon's Record

In general, surgeons that have done more bariatric surgeries tend to have a lower risk of complications. One item on your "must-do" list should include finding the complication rates for the surgeon you are considering.

Bariatric surgery risks come part and parcel with any weight loss surgery, but it doesn't mean you will encounter them. Do your homework beforehand, and your chances of complications can be even smaller.  

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Bariatric Surgery Cost

Bariatric surgery isn't cheap, for sure. Many times your health insurance will cover it, but sometimes not. It depends on your plan.

The LapBand surgery is the least expensive, with the vertical sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch the most expensive.

Somewhere in between is the roux-n-y (gastric bypass) procedure.

Costs vary across the country, and remember; you have to pay for the surgeon, surgery and hospital stay.