Risks and Complications with Weight Loss Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, it is important to be aware of the risks and possible complications of bariatric weight loss surgery before committing to your procedure. You should also be aware of the various ways to minimize the risks associated with weight loss surgery, such as choosing the right bariatric surgeon.

Possible Risks and Complications

Aside from the risks associated with any abdominal surgery, such as complications from anesthesia or infection, a few possible, but rare complications are associated specifically with bariatric surgery. However, your overall risk of complications is greatly reduced when your weight loss surgery is performed by an experienced, board-certified bariatric surgeon like Dr. Shyam Dahiya.

The most common complication from weight loss surgery is called gastric dumping syndrome, which causes bloating and diarrhea after eating, especially sugary foods. Gastric dumping syndrome can be treated with medication or by adjusting portions. Other, rarer complications include digestive tract leakage, hernia, infections, and pneumonia.

Reducing Your Risk with Advanced Laparoscopic Technology

Your health and safety are our top priority, which is why we use the latest in laparoscopic surgical technology and techniques to reduce the risks of bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is much, much safer than open abdominal surgery, using fewer, smaller incisions. In fact, Dr. Dahiya performs several bariatric surgery procedures using the state-of-the-art SPIDER® Surgical System, which requires just one small incision.

The SPIDER® system and the other advanced laparoscopic bariatric surgery technology we use enables our patients to achieve their weight loss goals with less pain, a shorter recovery time, and a greatly reduced risk of infection or other complications. Whether you choose gastric bypass surgery, LAP-BAND® surgery, or any other bariatric procedure, you can rest assured that your Los Angeles bariatric surgeon uses the safest technology available.

Weight loss surgery significantly changes the way you eat and digest food. Therefore, there is some risk of nutritional problems after your weight loss surgery. However, our nutrition specialist Dr. Jose Mari-Elacion will monitor your progress every month for at least one year after your surgery. As needed, he will make changes to your weight loss surgery diet and exercise plan or recommend vitamin or mineral supplements as needed to ensure you get the best possible nutrition.

To learn more about the risks and benefits of bariatric weight loss surgery, please contact Los Angeles bariatric surgeon Dr. Shyam Dahiya to set up your bariatric surgery consultation at our Lakewood office near Riverside, California.