Weight loss surgery – What are the risks?

Are you ready to have weight loss surgery, but you are scared about the risks involved

Risks vs Benefits

As with all surgical procedures there is always a small element of risk involved. It all depends on the type of surgery, your overall health and how well you follow the after-care programme.

However, if all checks out on the medical side and you really are focused you'll be a new person in no time!

Weighing up the Pro's and Con's

The type of weight loss surgery you choose depends on many factors, including your lifestyle. For example if you do a lot of travelling you may find the gastric band a little restrictive. Check out this quick review to understand obesity surgery options.

Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Common Risks: reflux

Rare Risks: leakage at the staple line, blood clots, bleeding

Benefits: Reduced feeling of hunger - No foreign bodies around the stomach – Major impact/eradication of conditions linked to obesity, excellent eating quality

Gastric Bypass

Common Risks: dumping syndrome*, risk of vitamin deficiencies if not supplemented

Rare Risks: Risk of internal hernia and bowel obstruction, leakage from the internal joins, bleeding

Benefits: Considered the most beneficial, long term weight loss obesity surgery option – Reversible – Quick and often greater weight loss results – most likely to improve or even cure diabetes.

Gastric Banding (sometimes called a Lap Band)

Common Risks: Food intolerance

Rare Risks: Risk of reoperation - Erosion of the band into the stomach, pouch enlargement

Benefits: Normal digestion process is unaltered – Less risk of postoperative complications – Reversible, no risk of vitamin or nutritional deficiency.

What guarantees are there it will work?

There are no guarantees, however, when you look at the statistics you'll see that there is a very high chance you will benefit from weight loss surgery.

Start A Conversation

Connect with a professional who can provide proof of their success rates.

Speak to other patients about their experience.

Whether you choose to undergo weight loss surgery is entirely up to you.

Your Next Step

If you want to learn more or are experiencing health issues related to your weight contact Dr Maani who will offer advice.

For patients who want to take the next step contact your general practitioner and arrange a referral to Dr Maani, or call our rooms directly.