| Bariatric Surgery.info Health Dangers of Gastric Bypass Operations to Reduce Obesity |
Risk of vomiting, dumping, lack of nutrition,
hernias, gallstones, anemia |
Health Dangers of Gastric Bypass SurgeryGastric bypass operations carry a variety of (mostly correctable) complications. Even so, it's worth noting that patients who undergo bypasses of the normal digestive process need close monitoring and life-long use of special foods, supplements, and medications. In general, the more complex the bypass, the greater the risk for complications and health dangers. Three common problems after bypass surgery are: vomiting, dumping syndrome and nutritional deficiency. VomitingThis is usually caused by eating more than the stomach pouch can hold or because food is unable to pass out of the stomach. Dumping SyndromeIf the pyloric valve - which regulates how fast food exits the stomach - is bypassed, food may leave the stomach and enter the digestive tract too quickly, causing the condition known as dumping syndrome. This leads to a release of adrenalin which typically causes nausea, palpitations, sweating and diarrhea. Risk of dumping after the Duodenal Switch operation is less likely as the pyloric valve is kept intact. Lack of Vitamins and MineralsMalabsorptive bypass operations carry greater risk for nutritional deficiency. Patients must therefore take a variety of nutritional supplements. Following biliopancreatic diversion surgery, patients should also take fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K supplements. Other Health Problems After BypassThese include: bleeding, infections, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), the formation of gallstones or loose skin (if post-operative weight loss is too rapid) as well as weight regain in the period 3-5 years afterwards. See also: ------------------------------------------------ Bariatric Surgery Health Information |