Weight Loss Surgery
Complications You Should Know
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Weight loss surgery is often a good option
for patients that are 100 pounds or more over their average
body weight. Those who are morbidly obese often suffer from
health issues that are directly related to being overweight.
After surgery, most patients find that many of these health
issues are reduced. Having weight loss surgery can
help a patient loss about 36 percent of their excess weight
in about two years. This is a popular reason why many turn
to weight loss surgery. However, it is important to remember
that even with the benefits, weight loss surgery can come
with complications.
There are several short-term risks that are
often associated with weight loss surgery. These side
effects can range from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair
loss, constipation and abdominal cramping. Most of
these side effects are not long term after the patient gets
accustomed to their new diet and exercise regimen. |
There are however, some serious complications
that are related to weight loss surgery. Some of these
complications can be more serious than others. Complications
will also depend on what kind of surgery is performed.
An open procedure, or a surgery where the body is
opened with a large incision can often lead to infected wounds, more
healing time and more healing time. Laparoscopic surgeries, or those
with smaller incisions, can sometimes lead to lung problems, wound
ruptures, blood clots, and liver and spleen damage. With any type of
surgery, there are specific risks of complications.
With the Lap-Band weight loss surgery, there are some
complications that are only associated with this surgery. These
complications can include problems with the band on the stomach. The
band can slip or the stomach can slip out of place. After the band is
filled with saline, the band can spontaneously deflate. This can cause
a leakage that can come from the band, the port or the connecting
tubing. Another problem with the band is that in some patients, the
band can erode into the stomach, leading to the need of another
surgery. With the Lap-Band weight loss surgery system, the smaller
stomach pouch that has been created can become enlarged or can be
blocked.
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In any weight loss surgery, there is the
possibility that the newly created stomach pouch can become
obstructed. This can be a potentially dangerous complication
so it is important for patients to follow all guidelines.
Obstruction can be caused by eating the wrong kinds of food
which can be stringy, fibrous foods, peanut butter, fruits
and vegetables with seeds, shrimp, untoasted or doughy
breads, dried fruits and meats, popcorn, greasy and fried
foods and citrus fruits. Also, the stomach twisting
following surgery or becoming enlarged can cause
obstruction. When a patient’s stomach becomes obstructed,
there will be cramping, binge eating, nausea and vomiting.
It is very important for potential weight loss surgery
patients to discuss any questions about complications before
the surgery is performed. Serious complications are reported
in about five percent of all weight loss surgery patients
following surgery. |
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