Gastric Bypass Risks and Complication Rates

As with all major surgeries, you have to consider the risks involved, not only during but after the procedure. It is proven that the risks and complication are minimal and that the benefit totally outweights those issues. The following are complication rates related to Gastric Bypass Surgery recently released by the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.

Complication Rates For Biliopancreatic Diversion Bypass

• Protein malnutrition 11.9%
• Anemia 35%
• Incisional hernia 10%
• Intestinal obstruction 1.0%
• Stomal ulcer 3.0%
• Bone demineralization

- Pre-op 25%
- At 1 - 2 years 29%
- At 3 - 5 years 53%
- At 6 - 10 years 14%

• Hemorrhoids 4.3%
• Acne 3.5%
• Night blindness 3.0%
• Operative mortality .04 - 0.8%

Complication Rates For Biliopancreatic Diversion w. Duodenal Switch

Here are the rates of complications associated with biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. (Note: The risk of dumping syndrome is lower after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch as this procedure maintains the pyloric valve intact.)

• Deep vein thrombophlebitis 0.7%
• Non-fatal pulmonary embolus 0.5%
• Pneumonia 0.5%
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome 0.25%
• Splenectomy 0.9%
• Gastric leak and fistula 2.0%
• Duodenal leak 1.5%
• Distal Roux-en-Y leak 0.25%
• Post-operative bleeding 0.5%
• Abscess unrelated to leaks 0.25%
• Duodenal stomal obstruction 0.75%
• Small bowel obstruction 2.0%

Source: American Society of Bariatric Physicians

Comments

[Tamra]

I had my Rouen-Y surgery in May of 2000. Followed everything to a tee. In August 2004, almost died with multiple blockages to the small intestines. The blockages were caused by the intestines collapsing and scarring on themselves. Since this surgery, I had chronic abdominal pain which was originally diagnosed as "in my head." Then, "fibromyalgia." Since then, I will be going in for a third surgery to remove my gallbladder, that even while on Actigall, has not recovered. And to repair an hyetal (sp) and navel hernia that are both the sizes of cataloupes. I'm a bleeder and were hoping all goes well, particular since Iron helps create the severe constipation. The final part of the surgery will be remove my colon which will incompacitate my ability to use the bathroom. This is not what I expected in 2000.

[esther]

I have not had any problems occassional cramping in stomach if i eat too much or too fast and drank.. I had this done 3yrs ago and do not regret anything.. they tell you all the complications they know before having it done.

[Pamela]

How are you doing, Tamra? I have severe constipation and I wonder if it's intestinal blockage. I have had so many tests - colonoscopy, etc.
Take care. Pamela

[marcia hansen]

My mmother died last year from complications caused during a "simple" procedure to clear an intestinal blockage. (She inhaled the trace dye acid into her lungs--it was a very painful and unnecessary death.) She had had bariatric surgery 5 years prior.
She suffered from numerous other complications after the weight loss procedure including chronic gas to the point she could not go out and eat in public without embarassment...a high price to pay in my opinion.

I HAD GASTRIC SLEEVE THAT FAILED WAS SWITCHED TO ROUEN EN Y GASTRIC BYPASS HAS ANY ONE ELSE HAD THIS DONE

[carrielee]

i had roueny bypass surgery one year ago because i was dying from diabetes.. it was my only hope they said,, to live.... now.. i weigh 103 pounds and CAN;T GAIN WEIGHT... my fiancee cannot understand why i can only eat such small portions,,, without throwing up... can anyone point me to a site to explain to him,,, or write me how to make him understand,