Risks and Side Effects

Remember: both VBG and RYGB are major operations. As such, there are risks and the possibility of side effects to consider before making a decision to choose bariatric surgery.

Risks

As with any major surgery, there is a risk of death, most likely due to heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Nationally, this risk is less than 1% , and Dr. Sweet's experience matches this percentage.

• Following surgery, lung problems may occur in 5% of patients, usually in those who smoke. To help lessen this likelihood, smokers are required to stop smoking for (8) weeks before surgery.
• Bleeding is also a possibility, and, when it does occur, it rarely requires a blood transfusion to resolve the issue.
• Bowel obstruction is another real, but infrequent, risk. It is known to be higher in patients operated on previously for bowel obstruction, and those with extensive "adhesions" from previous abdominal surgery.

Side Effects

• Following VBG, vitamin-mineral deficiencies are not usually a problem if patients eat reasonably well and take their vitamin-mineral supplement.
• Vitamin-mineral deficiencies may be an issue, however, for RYGB
  patients. In addition to taking the same vitamin-mineral supplement as VBG patients, these individuals must take vitamin B12 and calcium supplements, as well as iron if the patient is a woman of childbearing years. In addition, RYGB patients must have annual lab tests to make sure their blood levels of these important vitamins and minerals are appropriate.
• Vomiting may occur infrequently after either type of procedure, This side effect usually results when individuals are distracted while eating, and forget to properly chew food.
• Nausea and clammy feelings: after gastric bypass, patients may be
  nauseated or feel clammy if they consume sweets or foods high in natural sugars. There is no reaction to unsweetened foods, or to foods sweetened with sugar substitutes.

For answers to the commonly asked questions about bariatric surgery, please click on Questions.