Potential risks of surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is considered safe and has a very low risk of serious complications.
Revision surgery has higher risk than primary surgery. Revision surgery and 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 because of the risk of complications and marginal ulceration, and if you are a smoker you are required to stop smoking AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 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 and have not discussed this with Dr Wong, you are advised to declare this to a member of Dr Wong's team immediately.
Serious complications - (rare <1%) -
the risk of these complications are higher in revision surgery
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 and can be more variable after revision surgery compared with primary surgery.
Malnutrition – Iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Zinc, Protein.
Dumping syndrome.
Post-prandial reactive hypoglycaemia.
Internal hernia (twisted bowel).
Loose bowel motions (may be more likely with revision surgery as more bowel may be bypassed) 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.