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Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

Each type of weight loss surgery has associated benefits, drawbacks, risks, and complications.

Complications as a result of weight loss surgery can occur perioperatively, early or late post-operatively and include but are not limited to the following:

  • Perioperative complications
    • Complications of anesthesia
    • Bleeding
  • Early post-operative complications (within 30 days)
    • Bleeding
    • Anastomosis leakage
    • Infection secondary to leakage, wound or other infection
    • Pneumonia
    • Stricture
    • Deep venous thrombosis
    • Pulmonary embolism
    • Respiratory arrest secondary to sleep apnea
    • Gastrointestinal ulcers
    • Small bowel obstructions
  • Late post-operative complications (after 30 days)
    • Gastrointestinal ulcers
    • Strictures
    • Small bowel obstructions
    • Nutrient deficiency
    • Hernia
    • Redundant skin
    • Pouch stretching
    • Failure to loose weight
    • Regain lost weight
    • Worsening of depression
    • Difficulty with social relationships