For people who are significantly overweight, gastric bypass surgery can be one way to improve health and the quality of life. Generally, patients who undergo the surgery can drop about two-thirds of their extra weight within the first two years. With this type of gastric bypass surgery, part of the stomach is restricted so the person cannot eat as much food, plus a portion of the food bypasses the stomach and goes directly to parts of the intestine. The procedure leads to some potentially dangerous side effects.
Dumping Syndrome
After gastric bypass surgery, food may move through the small intestines too quickly. The consequences are chronic diarrhea, nausea, sweating, fainting and weakness.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Because a portion of the food consumed is not absorbed by the body for nutrients, patients are at risk of developing deficiencies. For example, an iron deficiency could lead to anemia. Patients may also be at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
Problems with Bands and/or Staples
To section off part of the stomach, bands or staples are used. If those materials break or begin to deteriorate, the surgery is essentially reversed.
Stomach Acid Leakage
In some cases, the stomach acid can end up leaking into the abdomen. The strong acid can actually damage internal organs.
Death
Although gastric bypass surgery is considered the safest form of bariatric surgery available, 1 in every 200 surgeries results in the death of the patient through complications.
