Side effects of gastric bypass surgery are still being discovered, and even though people in Indiana and Illinois and elsewhere are getting gastric bypasses or lap-bands to help them lose weight every day, researchers are still working to learn how dangerous these fat loss procedures can be for people who are just trying to get healthier and happier after diet and exercise alone haven’t worked for them.
This week, a new study was published by University of Pittsburgh researchers along with doctors from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University; and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), where their study found that there may be a risk between bariatric surgery (which includes a variety of procedures that alter the stomach for weight loss reasons) and something called “alcohol use disorder” (AUD) which in layman’s terms is alcohol abuse and dependence.
Side Effects of Gastric Bypass and Lap Band / Fat Loss Stomach Procedures
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many risks that come with bariatric surgeries and they include the following:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Lung or breathing problems
- Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
- Death (rare)
- Bowel obstruction
- Dumping syndrome, causing diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Gallstones
- Hernias
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Malnutrition
- Stomach perforation
- Ulcers
- Vomiting
Gastric Bypass Surgery is Dangerous – Medical Malpractice Risk Exists
The popularity of bariatric surgery for weight loss should not make anyone assume that the procedures are safe and without risk of serious injury or death for them. The new ABA study is showing new, long-term risks are also at play here: research is showing a higher risk of alcoholism for those who have lap band or gastric bypass types of surgeries.
Other risks, including those listed above from the Mayo Clinic, are already known to exist and anyone considering this procedure should be informed of these risks and fully understand these can be the consequences of their choice to have weight loss surgery. However, there’s another undercurrent of concern here: as the popularity of lap bands and weight loss surgery grows, so does the risk of medical malpractice.
Doctors need to be experienced and knowledgable about this type of surgery, not just any physician should be doing these surgeries. Not every hospital or clinic should be welcoming these procedures.
Malpractice can permanently injure or kill patients who have had lap band or gastric bypass procedures. Errors can often result in infections from leaking staples or sutures, for example. There can be complications from these infections and leaks that result in respiratory problems, as well as pulmonary embolisms. People do die from these surgeries.
Anyone considering these types of weight loss procedures should educate themselves not only on the risks and complications short term and in the long run of the surgery itself but also those who will be responsible for the surgery and the care of the patient before, during, and after the procedure is done. Doctors, nurses, and hospitals do make mistakes – be careful out there.
