The risks of gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is a very serious surgical procedure that many people choose to undergo in order to help them to lose a large amount of weight that may be damaging their health. There are many things to consider when you're looking into getting gastric bypass surgery, so in this article, we'll be helping you to find out more about the possible things that could go wrong with the procedure. The more that you know about a surgery, the better chance you have at making the right decision regarding your health.

Unfortunately, there are many things that can go wrong when you get a gastric bypass surgery performed. While it's a great method for losing a large amount of weight, there are many risks associated with the procedure. One aspect of getting the surgery that many fail to realize is that since you're disabling part of the stomach and part of the intestine, your body is not able to efficiently process the nutrients that you intake as well as it does normally. For that reason, many people who undergo the surgery face problems with vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A lack of iron may lead to anemia and a lack of calcium may lead to osteoporosis, amongst other things. These deficiencies can be brought to a minimum by maintaining a proper diet as recommended by a dietitian, as well as the use of Vitamin B12 shots to supplement your nutrition. Iron and Vitamin B12 deficiencies occur in as many as thirty percent of all people who undergo bypass surgery. Also, between five and fifteen percent of people receiving bypass surgery experience a narrowing of the passage between the stomach and the intestine, which can cause the patient to feel nauseous and possibly vomit after eating. Five to fifteen percent of gastric bypass patients also may develop ulcers due to the surgery.

The staples that are used to bind the stomach may come loose, resulting in serious problems. Hernias are sometimes developed in those who undergo the surgery. If the new, smaller, banded portion of the stomach enlarges, you may find yourself hiccupping often and feeling bloated. Other problems that may occur due to gastric bypass surgery include the stomach leaking into the abdominal cavity, the development of gall stones, and blood clot occurring in the lungs. Unfortunately, a small percentage of those who receive gastric bypass surgery die due to the procedure. This number rests at around three individuals per two hundred. For that reason, gastric bypass is something that you need to seriously consider before determining whether or not it's right for you. There are many things that can go wrong and the surgery is generally considered one that is performed only when completely necessary.

Now that you know more about the possible problems that are associated with receiving gastric bypass surgery, you can better understand the need to seriously consider your options before opting for the surgery. While it's the only option for some, you may want to ask your doctor what types of viable alternatives are available.

Gastric banding news on the Web

2008: Year in Review (The Woodlands Villager) Editor’s note: The following is a month-by-month recap of some of the top newsmaking events of 2008.

Support groups (Hutchinson News) Family LaLeche League of Hutchinson/Reno County, mother-to-mother, encouragement and information ...

Health News in brief (Beloit Daily News) A blood drive for the American Red Cross will be held from 1 - 5 p.m. Jan. 9 at the American Red Cross - South Central Wisconsin Chapter Office, 318 State St., Beloit.

People bigger, hospitals too (The Cincinnati Enquirer) Local hospitals are trying to gain from weight loss. Good Samaritan Hospital and Mercy Hospital Fairfield have started comprehensive weight-loss centers, offering services ranging from bariatric surgery to exercise and nutrition classes.

Hospitals gain from weight loss (The Cincinnati Enquirer) Local hospitals are trying to gain from weight loss.

2008 revisited (BBC News) The year's scene-stealing stories from TV and radio

2008's tears and jeers (BBC News) It was a big year for John Sergeant - but how did other stars of TV and radio fare?

Day Surgeries Help Reduce Hospital Costs (Khaleej Times) DUBAI - Patients in the country can opt for day-care surgeries in order to reduce hospital expenses, according to a health expert.

Report: Doctor died from infection (The Woodlands Villager) Dr. Leslie Parks, a well-known obstetrician/gynecologist in the community, died from an infection related to a gastric banding procedure, according to a coroner’s report.

New Info on Pregnancy Risks After Bariatric Surgery, from Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance) SAN DIEGO----The number of people having bariatric surgery is growing, including more and more women of childbearing age. Is it safe or even feasible to become pregnant after weight loss surgery?