Most patients will not experience any complications of their
surgery. Nonetheless, both the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the
Lap-Band® procedures are major operative procedures and
complications associated with any major procedure, as well as
general anesthesia, can occur.
This operation is associated with a complication rate of
about 20 percent (one in five). This means that about one in
five patients will have some type of complication after
surgery.
Most complications are minor such as drainage from a skin
incision, a urinary tract infection, nausea, or abdominal wall
muscle spasms with pain. Occasionally, however, complications
can be major (less than 1 percent), such as a serious wound
infection, intra-abdominal bleeding, infections within the
abdomen, and hernias.
Very rarely, life-threatening complications can occur
including heart attacks, strokes, leakage from a suture line,
and blood clots in the deep veins of the legs which can break
off and travel up to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Although
even these serious complications can usually be treated
successfully, they can result in permanent disability and even
death.
Many patients develop some loose, flabby skin on their arms,
breasts, ankles, and legs after weight loss with less obvious
changes on the face and neck. In some cases, patients want to
have plastic surgery to fix this problem. You should contact
your insurance carrier to see if they cover such procedures --
many consider them to be cosmetic surgery and do not cover the
expense.
We can refer you to the Duke Center for Aesthetic Services
if you wish a consultation.
Plastic surgery is not considered until at least one year
after your surgery and only when you reach a stable weight. The
more you exercise, the less likely you will need plastic
surgery.
Emotional Changes
Be prepared for emotional ups and downs after you go home
from the hospital. Some patients feel like they are on an
emotional roller coaster. These feelings are completely normal
and usually go away after several weeks. If these feelings
continue or get worse, we will arrange for you to get help from
our eating disorder psychologist.
Dumping Syndrome
Occasionally, following the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
procedure, patients will have problems with food emptying from
the stomach too quickly. A syndrome can develop which is
characterized by bloating, cramps, nausea, vomiting, sweating,
rapid heartbeat, occasional fainting, and diarrhea. The problem
usually is mild and resolves over several weeks.
When severe a special diet is needed to slow gastric
emptying:
- Avoid foods that are high in osmolarity (highly
concentrated foods like sweets)
- Protein and fat may be increased in this diet. High
protein foods include milk, eggs, meat, fish, cheese, peanut
butter, and dried beans. Fat is used in amounts that are
tolerated
- Meals are divided into six small servings
Liquids should not be given with meals. Liquids should be
given 30 - 60 minutes before or after meals. Liquids are fluids
or foods that are fluid at room temperature - such as Jell-O,
ice cream, or sherbet. Do not drink very hot or very cold
liquids.
Patient Manual Index
