COMPLICATIONS
All surgery carries a risk of things going wrong. These can be
either minor or serious and are mentioned below. Your Consultant
will explain the risks to you individually. The risk of surgery
rises in customers with medical problems caused by their obesity
e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea. Your Consultant
will also explain the options of which type of surgery is the best
for you.
The risks associated with Gastric Bypass can be divided into
complications of the operation, and side effects of a successful
operation.
BLEEDING (LESS THAN 1 IN 100)
This occurs either during or just after surgery. It will usually
settle with appropriate treatment but occasionally a further
operation may be required to stop the bleeding.
INTERNAL INFECTION (LESS THAN 1 IN 100)
Infection in the abdomen usually comes on after a few days. It
usually happens after a leakage of the digestive fluid from one of
the new joins created. A small leak may be treated with
antibiotics, and a drainage tube inserted via the nose. A more
serious leak may require further surgery to collect the
problem.
BLOOD CLOTS (LESS THAN 1 IN 100)
Overweight people are more likely to develop blood clots in
their legs after surgery. If this occurs, there is a risk of the
blood clot breaking off and moving to the lungs.
We use a variety of methods to reduce the risk of this
happening, including an injection of heparin to thin the blood
before and each day after surgery and the use of leg pumps
(Flowtron) during and after surgery. We also ask you to get out of
bed and move around soon after surgery (even though you may be
sore) to keep the blood flowing and reduce the risk of you
developing these clots.
HEART PROBLEMS (LESS THAN 1 IN 100)
Some customers can have an unrecognised heart problem when they
have their surgery. Not all heart problems are detected with the
investigations done prior to your surgery, but if the pre-operative
tests are acceptable, the risks of heart problems are small.
BREATHING (RESPIRATORY) PROBLEMS (LESS THAN 1 IN 50)
Many overweight people have breathing difficulties when laying
flat on their backs. After the operation we will mobilise you and
keep you in a sitting position as often as possible. Sometimes a
patient may require a pressure mask (CPAP) after surgery to help
get air into their lungs. If this is required this will be
explained as needed.
SIDE EFFECTS OF GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY
This depends on the tightness of the join between the stomach pouch
and the small intestine (Roux loop) and the way in which you choose
and eat food after the operation.
Vomiting -The main
advice is to eat small amounts, eat them slowly and of the correct
texture. Vomiting can sometimes be erratic and can occur even with
foods you've had no problems with in the past, this is normal. If
the problem persists or become excessive it is important you speak
to the nurses, dietician or Consultant.
'Dumping Syndrome' -
This happens when sugary or rich foods (usually fluids) empty from
the stomach pouch into the intestine too quickly. The sudden
calorie load 'upsets' the absorption process and you start to feel
faint, dizzy, nauseated and generally unwell. You may also get some
diarrhoea. If this does occur you need to discuss this with the
dietician.
Nutritional Deficiency -
All customers will be asked to take a daily vitamin tablet for life
to avoid deficiencies. The gastric bypass reduces the ability to
absorb some nutrients, like iron, folate and B vitamins. A yearly
blood test needs to be performed by your GP. This is VITAL and if
not adhered to can cause serious problems.
If you think all is not well, please ask the nurses or
Consultant.
General advice - The
operation should not be underestimated. Some customers are
surprised how slowly they regain stamina.