Are you considering undergoing bariatric surgery? Then, you’ll benefit from reading this comprehensive guide, where we explore the potential challenges and complications that may arise after undergoing weight loss surgery. From understanding the risks to managing post-operative complications, you’ll gain valuable insights into navigating the journey toward a healthier life.
At Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Twp and Southfield, Michigan, our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized care and support to bariatric surgery patients. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Blake Movitz and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!
Bariatric surgery (also known as weight-loss surgery or metabolic surgery) involves altering the digestive system to help patients lose weight. This may include procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, or gastric banding, each designed to limit food intake or reduce the body’s ability to absorb calories.
While bariatric surgery offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with obesity and related health issues, it’s important to recognize that these procedures are major surgeries that could carry inherent risks. Additionally, long-term success requires permanent lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
It’s important to consult a qualified bariatric surgeon in Detroit before undergoing any medical weight loss procedure to ensure personalized care and support.
Weight loss surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for many individuals. Following surgery, feelings of constant hunger diminish, allowing patients to focus on healthier eating habits and reducing food preoccupation. The changes in your metabolism help people get the weight off, and keep the weight off. As you lose excess weight, energy levels increase, and everyday activities become more manageable.
Moreover, weight loss surgery often leads to improvements in obesity-related medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Many patients experience normalization of blood sugar levels shortly after surgery, reducing or eliminating the need for certain medications.
It’s important to view bariatric surgery as a tool to facilitate weight loss and improve health, rather than a quick fix. Sustainable weight loss and improved quality of life require an ongoing commitment to healthy habits and regular medical follow-up.
While bariatric surgery can yield significant benefits, it also carries certain risks and complications. These bariatric surgery complications are described below.
Bowel leakage is a serious complication of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch surgeries. It is where the bowel contents may escape from surgical connections.
Leaks can lead to symptoms like high heart rate, abdominal pain, fever, and infection. Treatment involves antibiotic therapy, interventional or endoscopic procedures, and surgical repair.
Following gastric bypass surgery, scar tissue may tighten the connection between the new stomach pouch and the intestine, making it difficult for food to pass. This is called a stricture. This issue can be corrected endoscopically by stretching the narrowed opening. Similarly, scar tissue from sleeve gastrectomy may further narrow the banana-shaped stomach, requiring endoscopic treatments or corrective surgery.
Gastric band surgery patients may also experience narrowing in the opening between the upper and lower stomach pouches, which can lead to difficulty eating or heartburn. Loosening the band or repositioning it through laparoscopic surgery may alleviate symptoms.
Additional short-term bariatric surgery risks can include:
There also exist some long-term risks associated with weight-loss surgery. These risks vary depending on the type of bariatric procedure performed. They can include:
If you’re considering bariatric surgery and have questions or concerns about the procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced team at Detroit Weight Loss Center is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout your weight loss journey.
Contact us today in Southfield or Commerce Charter Township, Michigan, to schedule your appointment and get the peace of mind you are looking for.
Medically reviewed by Blake Movitz, MD, FACS
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“I highly recommend Dr. Movitz for his exceptional and comprehensive approach to healthcare. He meticulously reviewed all past tests and considered every aspect of my case then provided me with a well-rounded plan of action. He is truly a knowledgeable, caring, and personable professional.” Carol W.