Risks

All surgical procedures involve risks. As with any operation, both immediate and long-term side effects and complications may occur after bariatric surgery. The incidence of these complications or side effects can vary significantly depending on the surgeon’s expertise, surgical technique and type of surgery. These risks can include, but are not limited to:

Early Side Effects

Vomiting (more likely with purely restrictive procedures such as Lap-Band)
Diarrhea
Nausea

Late Side Effects

Vomiting (more likely with purely restrictive procedures such as Lap-Band)
Diarrhea
Nausea
Gallstones

Early Complications

Bleeding
Blood clots
Infections
Breathing difficulties
Spleen injury
Complications due to anesthesia and medications
Blockage of the stomach or small intestine
Leaks from intestinal connections or staple lines
Death

Late Complications

Marginal ulcers
Hernia at incision sites (more common with open surgeries)
Narrowing of intestinal connections
Blockage of the intestines
Dilation of the esophagus (more common with Lap-band procedure)
Reflux (only restrictive procedures such as Lap-Band)
Separation of stitches or staples (depends solely on surgical technique)
Vitamin deficiencies (very rare if there is appropriate follow-up by the bariatric surgeon.