Risks & Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

What are the risks of weight loss surgery?

Serious complications can occur with any surgery; fortunately complications at Crystal Spring Associates 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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