We are proud that the incidence of mortality and significant complications in Duke’s weight loss surgery program is among the lowest in the country. However, we feel it is important that you understand both the benefits and the risks of weight loss surgery.

Many people still believe that weight loss surgery is dangerous. But the procedures offered by the Duke Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery are no more risky than many other types of surgeries.

Moreover, in a study comparing morbidly obese people with morbidly obese people who underwent gastric bypass surgery, those who did not undergo surgery were nine times more likely to die over the course of five years than those who did.

For other potential risks, see our comparison chart (PDF, 20 KB).