Risks

As with any major procedure, bariatric surgery poses potential health risks, both in the short term and long term.

Risks associated with the surgical procedure can include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Blood clots
• Lung or breathing problems
• Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
• Death (rare)

Longer term risks and complications of weight-loss surgery vary depending on the type of surgery. They can include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Dumping syndrome, which leads to diarrhea, flushing, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting
• Gallstones
• Hernias
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Malnutrition
• Ulcers
• Vomiting
• Acid reflux
• The need for a second, or revision, surgery or procedure
• Death (rare)