As with any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery may present risks. One or all of the following conditions and complications are possible following all the bariatric surgery procedures discussed in this brochure, as well as for all types of gastric surgical procedures. Your doctor can provide you with a more detailed and complete list of potential complications. Talk to your doctor to see if bariatric surgery is right for you.
Surgical
Perforation of stomach/intestine or leakage causing peritonitis or abscess. Internal bleeding requiring transfusion. Severe wound infection, opening of the wound, incisional hernia. Spleen injury requiring removal. Other organ injury. Gastric outlet or bowel obstruction.
Pulmonary
Pneumonia, collapse of lung tissue, fluid in chest. Respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs). Blood clots in legs/lungs.
Cardiovascular
Myocardial infarction (heart attack), congestive heart failure. Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Stroke.
Kidney and liver
Acute kidney failure. Liver failure, hepatitis (may progress to cirrhosis).
Psychosocial
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia. Postoperative depression, dysfunctional social problems. Psychosis.
Death
Other complications (may become serious)
Minor wound or skin infection, scarring, deformity, loose skin. Urinary tract infection. Allergic reactions to drugs or medications. Vomiting or nausea. Inability to eat certain foods. Improper eating. Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), acid reflux (heartburn). Low sodium, potassium, or blood sugar. Low blood pressure. Problems with the stomach outlet (narrowing or stretching). Anemia. Metabolic deficiency (iron, vitamins, minerals). Temporary hair loss. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramping, malodorous stool or gas. Development of gallstones or gallbladder disease. Stomach or outlet ulcers (peptic ulcer). Staple-line disruption. Weight gain, failure to lose satisfactory weight. Penetration of foreign material (e.g., gastric band) inside the stomach. Intolerance to refined sugars (dumping), with nausea, sweating, weakness.