Laparoscopic bypass surgery is a procedure used for weight loss. It involves making the stomach physically smaller and creating passageways so that food bypasses part of the intestines. The goal is to control the amount of food that the stomach can hold so that the patient eats less. In addition, bypassing the intestines restricts how much food the body digests. While this procedure is generally considered safe, there are possible complications of laparoscopic bypass surgery that should be discussed with a physician before going through this procedure.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Since laparoscopic bypass surgery restricts the amount of food digested by the intestines, there is a risk of developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies states MayoClinic.com. There is also a risk for dehydration. In severe cases a condition called dumping syndrome can develop, during which food moves through the system too quickly. This can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
To help avoid complications, it is important to follow the guidelines from health care providers about proper nutrition and appropriate meal sizes. Some patients may need to take supplements to protect against deficiencies.
Hernia
With this type of surgery there is a risk for developing one of two kinds of hernias, warns the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If there is a weakness in the abdominal wall where the incision was made, an incisional hernia can develop. If large enough an incisional hernia can block the bowels.
Internal hernias can develop at sites where the small intestines are sewn together. This type of hernia creates a pocket that extends into the abdominal cavity. Both types of hernias may require treatment or even additional surgery to correct.
Weight Regain
Bypass surgery just alters the digestive system; it does not address the behavioral issues that caused the weight gain. Even after surgery it may still become possible to overeat which can lead to regaining the weight that was lost, claims the MedlinePlus. Before and after surgery, it becomes important to work with a team of professionals to address the underlying reasons for overeating.
Patients will need to make a lifelong commitment to counting calories and getting regular exercise after surgery, in order to maintain a healthy weight. For this reason, before operating, a physician will determine a patient's readiness to change their lifestyle before proceeding with the surgery.
Infections and Bleeding
As with any type of surgery, while rare, there is always the risk of developing an infection or internal bleeding. Damage to internal organs can also occur. A surgeon will discuss all the risks associated with this operation before hand, given the overall health of the patient and the exact type of laparoscopic bypass surgery that will be done.
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