4 Common Complications and Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

Are you considering weight loss surgery? The journey to weight loss can feel overwhelming, especially when you need to drop a lot of pounds. Surgery may look appealing because it offers fast results. But before hopping on the table, you should know the risks of weight loss surgery. You may want to seek other options as the easy way out may come with great sacrifices.

4 Common Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

When it seems like you need to lose a lot, remember you have a lot to lose. Instead of considering weight loss surgery, you may want to look to alternative weight loss solutions before risking your health. Read on to learn 4 common dangers of weight loss surgery.

Obstruction

One of the most common weight loss surgery complications is an obstruction around the stomach or in the intestines. Scar tissue at the sight of the incision, a narrowing that traps food, and a kinked or twisted intestine can all possibly cause this complication to occur.

Symptoms include:

bloating
nausea and vomiting
constipation
abdominal pain

This painful condition can threaten your life if left untreated. When fasting doesn’t clear the blockage, additional surgery is needed.

Gallstones

Experts suggest that 25-30% of patients who undergo weight loss surgery will develop gallstones. This typically happens during the first year following surgery due to the rapid weight loss.

Symptoms of gallstones include:

indigestion
nausea and vomiting
severe pain in the back
belly cramps

Gallstones can lead to serious complications and may require surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Dumping Syndrome

Another common weight loss surgery risk is Dumping Syndrome. The surgical changes cause food to rapidly dump from the stomach into the small intestine rather than slowly filling. Liquid flooding an already full small intestine causes Early Dumping Syndrome. Carbohydrates rapidly filling the intestine raises the body’s glucose levels and creates an insulin spike from the pancreas, causing Late Dumping Syndrome.

Symptoms of Dumping Syndrome Include:

sweating
flushing
dizziness
weakness
bloating
nausea and vomiting
abdominal cramping and pain
rapid heartbeat

After undergoing weight loss surgery, many people need to avoid sugary and high-calorie foods to avoid dumping syndrome. They also may find it difficult to eat normal sized meals.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition often occurs after weight loss surgery, requiring lifelong supplementation of essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. This happens because the structural changes make it difficult for the patient to eat an adequate amount and for the body to properly absorb nutrients.

Malnutrition creates a host of undesirable complications ranging from annoying to life-threatening. Depending on the nutrient deficiency, the patient may experience:

fatigue
loss of muscle mass
fluid retention that masks weight loss
skin rashes
hair loss
depression
anemia
osteoporosis

This only covers the short list of possible complications from a nutrient deficiency. Not getting enough nutrients seriously affects a person’s life.

Consider Alternatives to Weight Loss Surgery

You may find that the risks of weight loss surgery outweigh the benefits. If so, consider finding non-invasive alternatives like our weight loss protocol which includes the Zerona laser to create a slimmer and healthier you.