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Weight-loss surgery is a worthwhile option to help get rid of the problems associated with being overweight, but before going under the knife, it is still worth trying all other options – losing weight on your own, increasing physical activity, getting help from a nutritionist and trying less invasive procedures like a gastric balloon. This is because there are a number of risks associated with gastric bypass surgery, which we will discuss in more detail in this post. Although there are risks associated with weight loss surgery, it is still advisable to consider surgery if other weight loss methods have not yielded results.
Problems can arise during surgery
Difficult anatomical situations, bleeding and technical problems can occur during surgery. These are usually resolved during surgery. Complications are rare, occurring in about 2% of cases.
It is important to keep an eye on your condition after surgery
One of the most common risks after surgery is bleeding and leakage from the stapler line and sometimes bleeding from the surgical wounds can also occur. This usually occurs quite quickly after surgery and the danger signs are abdominal pain, fever and an increased heart rate.
A later complication can be, for example, a tendency towards acid reflux. Studies have shown that a certain proportion of patients require medications to reduce stomach acid after surgery.
Late complications are often loose skin
One thing to expect after bariatric surgery is the development of loose skin in the abdomen, thighs, upper arms and sometimes on the back. This problem occurs in about two-thirds of patients.
The less overweight you are and the earlier the surgery is performed, the less likely it is that loose skin will occur. This can be quite bothersome and interfere with, for example, sports and hygiene activities. However, it may not be important enough for the patient to need surgical intervention. To some extent, the problem may resolve itself. This area is handled by post-bariatric surgery and the need for surgery can be assessed a year after the operation.
No one can guarantee a specific weight loss number
There is no single formula that can be used to say that a patient must have lost so and so many kilos in a month and so and so many kilos in six months. This is very individual and cannot be predicted.
It is common practice to lose 6-10 kilos in the first month. But there are those who lose more and those who lose less.
Raili, who underwent bypass surgery, says that she turned to Dr Rein Adamson primarily because of her weight problems. “People who are overweight know how difficult it is to do basic activities: tying shoelaces, climbing stairs, keeping up with others and, of course, giving up favourite foods,” she says. During the consultation, it was decided that a gastric bypass operation would be best for Raili. Once the decision was made, the rest of the process went very quickly. She praises the coordinator Anni, who provided materials about the procedure and was always happy to answer her questions. The hospital stay and the surgery went quickly and, to her surprise, it was painless. “The entire hospital staff is very competent and polite,” she says. Many thanks to them for their excellent work. I am also very grateful to Dr Rein Adamson, who informed me very thoroughly about the surgery and did his job very well. “Many thanks for that!” One month after the operation, Raili had lost nearly 14 kg.
