Risks and Benefits

While weight loss surgery can offer patients a new lease on life by improving health and mobility, it’s important to understand the risks, however remote.

If complications occur during the operation, the surgeon may choose to perform open surgery. We must determine if you are an appropriate surgical candidate through a medical evaluation. For health risks associated with obesity and morbid obesity, click here.

Important considerations

The proper approach to bariatric surgery requires discussion and careful consideration of the following:

These procedures are life-saving, and in no way are considered cosmetic.
A decision to proceed with surgical treatment requires a thorough assessment of the risks and benefits specific to each patient.
Weight loss surgery is only a tool. For optimal weight loss, long-term changes in behavior, proper diet selection, exercise, and proper medical follow-up are critical for successful results.
Surgical treatment success must begin with realistic goals. Patients at Roller Weight Loss will be supplied with all the proper education and information to help facilitate healthy weight loss.

Complications and risks

As with any surgery, there are operative and long-term complications and risks associated with weight loss surgical procedures that should be discussed with a doctor. Dr. Roller and his staff will be happy to discuss any potential complications. Don’t be afraid to ask us questions. Possible risks include, but are not limited to:

Bleeding
Leakage from staple or suture lines
Complications due to anesthesia and medications
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
Infections
Marginal ulcers
Pulmonary problems
Injuries to other organs
Band slippage or erosion (for Lap-Band® and Realize™ band patients)

Very rarely, a laparoscopic procedure will need to be converted to an open operation. In very rare cases, complications can be fatal.

Possible gallbladder complications

Several studies have shown that people who experience significant weight loss can develop gallstones. Approximately 6% to 8% of patients will develop problems with their gallbladder that will require removal. On the other hand, up to 92% to 94% percent of patients will not have any problems with their gallbladder at all. In our opinion, the risk of removing the gallbladder at the time of gastric bypass surgery exceeds any potential benefit.

Weighing benefits vs. risks

While there is some risk associated with bariatric surgery, the benefits of long-term weight loss are immense. If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know how difficult it is to keep it off — and weight loss surgery provides an important platform for long-term weight loss. Remember, most major health organizations around the world classify obesity as a disease. Just as appropriate treatments for other diseases can improve symptoms and lead to better health, so can weight loss surgery ease obesity-related health problems.

Morbid obesity leads to higher rates of early death. For instance, the life expectancy of a 20-year-old morbidly obese male is thirteen years shorter than that of a 20-year-old male who is at a normal weight.

Ultimately, weight loss surgery is not so much about losing weight as it is about living a longer, healthier life. It’s about being there for life’s greatest events and being able to easily participate.

Non-medical considerations

Some of the challenges facing a person after weight loss surgery can be unexpected. Lifestyle changes can strain relationships within families and between married couples. Attending support groups and making sure that people close to you understand the changes in your life is important. You must weigh all the information available to you and decide if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Bariatric surgery is only a tool. Ultimate success depends on strict adherence to the recommended dietary, physical activity, and lifestyle changes.