Common risks associated with any major surgery include:

• Myocardial infarction
• Congestive heart failure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Stroke
• Liver or kidney problems.

Potential complications such as the following are more common as weight increases:

• Leaks
• Pulmonary embolism
• Internal bleeding
• Wound infection
• Small bowel obstruction
• Hernia
• Gallbladder removal

Surgical Associates' patients historically have had great success with the bariatric procedure. We are very proud of the low number of complications that have been experienced. If you have specific questions about risks involved with surgery, Surgical Associates would be happy to answer any questions you may have. As part of the educational process, it is important for us to describe potential complications to you.

Following surgery, other complications that may be experienced include minor wound or skin infections, urinary tract infection, allergic reactions to medications, excessive vomiting/dehydration, development of loose skin, narrowing or stretching of the anastomosis or outlet to the stomach, peptic ulcer disease, psychological reactions including depression while adjusting to new eating and lifestyle.

Gallbladder disease is not uncommon in association with morbid obesity. If during surgery your surgeon determined it was necessary, the gallbladder may have been removed. Ulcers at the site of the stomach or intestinal anastomosis (stomal ulcer) or acid peptic ulcers in the non-functional large stomach pouch may occur. Stomal ulcers may be caused by smoking, overeating, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Cortisone use in the postoperative period may also lead to a higher incidence of ulcers. If ulcers occur, they can be treated with medications such as Tagamet and Zantac.

Close attention must be given to late iron deficiency anemia in women of childbearing years.

After effects that many patients who have undergone bariatric surgery experience include "dumping syndrome." Following gastric bypass, some patients experience intolerance to certain types of food, usually sweets, dairy, or fatty greasy foods. Ingestion may cause unpleasant symptoms similar to seasickness or sweating, nausea, and shaking, which may last from a few minutes to two hours. This is called dumping syndrome. It is useful in reinforcing good dietary choices.