Benefits & Risks - Gastric Bypass Operation
Benefits of gastric bypass
For the seriously obese, the benefits of the gastric bypass procedure very much outweigh the risks. In general:
- 75% of patients are expected to lose 75 to 80% of their excess body weight, most of which is lost in the first two years following surgery
- Major improvements in risk factors for heart disease and cancer.
- Around 70-80% of patients with hypertension will be off medication and cholesterol levels will fall.
- Most type II diabetics will be cured.
- There will be major improvements in a whole range of weight-associated conditions. These could include sleep apnoea, asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux, fatigue, shortness of breath.
- Patients report less depression, improved self-esteem and confidence along with an overall increased sense of well-being.
Risks of gastric bypass
As with any surgery, there are operative and long-term complications and risks associated with gastric bypass, including:
- Bleeding (haemorrhage).
- Complications due to anesthesia and medications.
- Infections
- Pulmonary emboli (blood clots on the lung).
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Dehiscence (wound breakdown).
- Leaks from staple line.
- Injury to the spleen.
- Marginal ulcers.
However, in experienced hands the risks of the procedure nowadays are very small. Most published reports show that the overall mortality rate for gastric bypass surgery is less than 1%. It’s also important to note that not only does bypass result in reduced absorption of calories, it may also reduce absorption of important vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin B-12 and calcium. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to many problems.
- Iron deficiency causes anemia and weakness and deficiencies in calcium can cause osteoporosis.
- Lack of daily B-12 can lead to neurological problems. This is why patients undergoing gastric bypass are recommended to take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement. “
- Dumping syndrome,” in which the consumption of sugar causes abdominal cramping and diarrhoea, can also occur.
- Some people will also regain some weight in subsequent years.
