Study suggests complications are common after gastric bypass

For millions of people in Rhode Island and across the United States, obesity causes a wide range of potentially life-threatening health issues. Many people choose weight loss surgery to help them address these concerns and to improve their quality of life. Like all operations, gastric bypass and other weight types of loss surgeries come with risks. Some may have been preventable and can contribute to significant complications.

In a recent study involving thousands of gastric bypass patients in Denmark, it was found that most patients experienced some type of adverse event within five years after the surgery. According to Medscape, 29 percent needed to be hospitalized as a result of these problems. The most common post-bypass complications included abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia and dumping syndrome (diarrhea soon after eating). Medical professionals concluded that surgeons may need more education to help diagnose potential complications sooner and avoid hospitalizations.

According to WebMD, there are numerous complications that are common after gastric bypass surgery. The ones that are the most likely to be effectively treated include problems digesting food, infection, ulcers and post-surgical bleeding. Rarer complications that are more serious include heart attacks, blood clots, a leak in the intestines where the bypass was performed, heavy bleeding and serious infection.

Some types of surgical complications can worsen extremely quickly and lead to a life-threatening situation. Others may result in long-term pain or disability. If doctor negligence led to a preventable complication after gastric bypass surgery, it may be advisable to seek legal assistance.