Creator: douglasboyd
Published: 2022-10-18T19:31:19Z
Keywords: bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery has become more popular in recent years, with more people opting for this surgery as a way to lose weight.

While the surgery has proven to be effective in helping individuals achieve weight loss goals, recent studies have shown that there are risks associated with this type of surgery. In particular, there is a greater risk of complications for bariatric surgery patients.

Complications Associated with Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a major surgical procedure that involves making changes to the digestive system to help individuals lose weight.

The surgery can involve several different procedures, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or adjustable gastric banding. While these surgeries can be effective in promoting weight loss, they can also lead to complications.

Possible Complications of Bariatric Surgery

Some of the possible complications associated with bariatric surgery include:.

Infections – there is a risk of infection at the site of the incision or from leaks in the digestive system
Bleeding – there is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – this is a blood clot that can form in the legs as a result of being immobile for an extended period of time after surgery
Lung problems – there is a risk of developing pneumonia or other lung problems after surgery
Obstruction – there is a risk of the digestive system becoming obstructed after surgery, which can lead to severe abdominal pain
Death – while rare, there is a risk of death associated with bariatric surgery

Factors That Increase the Risk of Complications

There are several factors that can increase the risk of complications associated with bariatric surgery. These include:.

Age – older individuals are at a higher risk of complications
Body Mass Index (BMI) – individuals with a higher BMI are at a higher risk of complications
Overall health – individuals with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, are at a higher risk of complications
Smoking – individuals who smoke are at a higher risk of complications

Increased Risk of Complications for Bariatric Surgery Patients

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that there is an increased risk of complications for bariatric surgery patients. The study looked at over 33,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery over a five-year period.

The researchers found that the overall complication rate was 5.4%, with the most common complications being bleeding, infection, and wound complications.

However, the researchers also found that certain groups of patients were at a higher risk of complications. These included:.

Women
Individuals with a higher BMI
Individuals with a lower income
Individuals with Medicaid or Medicare insurance
Individuals with a longer hospital stay

Why Are Certain Groups at Higher Risk?

There are several reasons why certain groups of bariatric surgery patients may be at a higher risk of complications. For example:.

Women may be at a higher risk of complications due to differences in body composition and metabolism.
Individuals with a higher BMI may be more susceptible to complications due to the strain that their weight puts on their bodies.
Individuals with a lower income or Medicaid/Medicare insurance may not have access to the same quality of healthcare, which can lead to complications.
A longer hospital stay can increase the risk of complications due to exposure to hospital-acquired infections and other healthcare-associated conditions.

What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Complications?

While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of complications associated with bariatric surgery, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce this risk. These include:.

Choosing a surgeon with experience performing bariatric surgery
Following pre-operative instructions carefully
Following post-operative instructions carefully, especially regarding diet and physical activity restrictions
Attending all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns
Managing any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, before and after surgery

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery is a major surgical procedure that can lead to significant weight loss. However, there is a risk of complications associated with this type of surgery.

Recent studies have shown that certain groups of bariatric surgery patients are at a higher risk of complications, including women, individuals with a higher BMI, and individuals with lower incomes or Medicaid/Medicare insurance. While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of complications, following pre- and post-operative instructions carefully and choosing a surgeon with experience performing bariatric surgery can help to reduce this risk.