Potential risks of surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is considered safe and has a very low risk of serious complications. Revision surgery, surgery in smokers, patients on medication that affects healing or blood clotting, or other significant medical conditions may have a higher risk of complications with surgery.
Gastric bypass surgery
will usually NOT be offered to patients who smoke or use nicotine products because of the risk of complications and marginal ulceration. If you are a smoker or nicotine user, you are required to stop AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, as you need to be completely
nicotine-free for 30 days before the surgery. There are blood and urine tests that are able to be done to test compliance.
You may be required to prove your commitment to remaining smoke free for a period of time, if you are a recently quit smoker. If you are a smoker, vaper or nicotine user and have not discussed this with your surgeon, you are advised to declare this to a member of the BGOS team immediately.
Serious complications - (rare <1%)
Damage to other structures or organs.
Major Bleeding.
Staple line leak – which can result in serious illness requiring further interventions.
Anastomotic leak - which can result in serious illness requiring further interventions.
Death
Uncommon complications
Reflux symptoms which may be acid reflux or bile reflux. This can require further surgery to remedy if medication cannot adequately treat the reflux symptoms.
Difficulty swallowing, or feeling that things don't pass down the oesophagus as well.
Pouch or anastomosis dilatation over time with loss of restriction.
Weight regain.
Poor weight loss or excessive weight loss - the ultimate result varies between people.
Malnutrition – Iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Zinc, Protein.
Dumping syndrome.
Post-prandial reactive hypoglycaemia.
Internal hernia (twisted bowel).
Loose bowel motions or constipation.
Twisting of the gastric pouch.
Narrowing of the gastric pouch.
Other General Risks
Wound infection.
Incisional hernia.
Gallstones developing (approx 30%), which may require further surgery.
Venous thromboembolism.
Pneumonia.
Complications related to anaesthesia or medications including a severe allergic reaction.