Risks & Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

What are the risks of weight loss surgery?

Serious complications can occur with any surgery; fortunately complications remain extremely low.  Specific and proper patient preparation, selection along with Dr. Feng’s experience markedly reduces the risk and complications of weight loss surgery.

Risks of LAP-BAND® System Procedures

• Infection
  
• Inadequate weight loss
  
• Device malfunction
  
• Balloon, tube access port breakage
  
• Slippage or erosion of the silicone band
  
• Vomiting

Advantages of LAP-BAND® System Procedure

• Only procedure that can be reversed if necessary
  
• Usually done laparoscopic (minimally invasive)
  
• Easier to perform and generally safer than other weight loss options
  
• Outpatient surgery
  
• Results in fewer nutritional deficiencies

Risks of Vertical Gastrectomy Procedure

• Leakage
  
• Weight regain
  
• Nausea/vomiting
  
• May require second surgery for complete weight loss

Advantages of Vertical Gastrectomy Procedure

• Usually done laparoscopic (minimally invasive) in patients.  Allows patients of any weight, including the super super obese and high risk patients, to undergo surgery with small incisions.
  
• Rapid weight loss.
• Patients do not experience diarrhea or significant “Dumping Syndrome” symptoms.
• The portion of the stomach producing hunger-stimulating hormones is removed.
• The stomach maintains normal function with no rearrangement of the intestines, reducing risks of protein and vitamin deficiency.
• Minimal patient effort to lose and maintain weight loss.

Risks of Roux-en-Y Procedure

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  
• Gallstones
  
• Leakage
  
• Infection
  
• Anemia
  
• Bowel Obstruction
  
• Dumping syndrome
  
• Abdominal hernia
  
• Combined operations are more likely to lead to complications then restrictive operations
  
• Weight regain

Advantages of Roux-en-Y Procedure

• May be more effective in improving obesity related health problems than restrictive procedures.
• Minimal patient effort to lose and maintain long-term weight loss.
• Rapid weight loss. 

Risks of Duodenal Switch Procedure

• Excessive weight loss
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Anemia
  
• Bowel obstruction
  
• Dumping syndrome
  
• Leakage
  
• Infection
  
• Gallstones
  
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  
• Abdominal hernia
  
• Combined operations are more likely to lead to complications then restrictive operations

Advantages of Duodenal Switch Procedure

• Patients are able to consume larger meals.
• Stomach function remains intact with normal stomach emptying, and thus “Dumping Syndrome” seldom occurs.
• Minimal patient effort to lose and maintain long-term weight loss.
• The portion of the stomach producing hunger-stimulating hormones is removed.
• Rapid weight loss.

Bariatric surgery has provided lift-changing benefits, when the post surgery guidelines are followed, patients can expect to see the following improvements after surgery.

• 89% reduction in mortality over 5 years following surgery
  
• Your lifestyle and quality of life improves
  
• Greater participation in family and social activities
  
• Decrease in appetite
  
• Weight loss of 65-80% of excess body weight
  
• Dramatic reduction in medical related conditions:
  
• Hyperlipidemia
  
• Hypertension
  
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  
• Diabetes Mellitus
  
• Gerd
  
• Leg swelling improves
  
• Low back pain and joint pain relieved or improved

Bariatric Surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, and can markedly improve health and lifestyle.

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