Gastric Bypass Risks

Gastric bypass is associated with the following risks:

• Leak from staple line or one of the two bowel connections- this is an early complication occurring in the first 2-4 weeks. It can require additional procedures to manage.
• Bleeding from staple line, other internal organs, or incisions. This complication occurs in the first 24 hours and usually requires a return to the operating room.
• Death- this is a rare complication after bypass surgery. Our current mortality rate for this procedure is 0%.
• Hernias in small laparoscopic incisions.
• Infections in small incisions- usually respond to antibiotics.
• Blood clots in legs that can travel to lungs- compressive stockings, blood thinning agents, and early ambulation typically prevent these complications but they can still occur and require medicine to treat.
• Ulcers in stomach- usually respond to medication.
• Stricture or narrowing of connection between small bowel and pouch- this complication can require additional procedures to manage.
• Internal hernia- bowel can get trapped in spaces created by moving the small bowel- usually requires surgery to manage.

This list includes the risks most common for patients but is not an exhaustive list.