As with any surgery there are potential risks involved. Most patients do not have complications after Gastric Bypass surgery; however complications can occur and depend on the patient’s health status. Complications can be medical (general) or specific to Gastric Bypass.
Specific complications for Gastric Bypass surgery include:
- DVT (blood clot in the deep leg veins)
- Damage to adjacent organs
- Leakage of digestive contents from the staple line can lead to serious infection
- Stricture (narrowing) of the opening between the stomach and small intestine
- Dumping Syndrome: Vomiting, reflux, and diarrhoea caused by stomach contents moving too rapidly through the small intestine
- Abdominal hernias
- Gallstones
- Dehydration
- Bleeding ulcers of the stomach
- Intolerance to some foods