What are the risks of weight loss surgery?

As with any major surgery, there are risks associated with weight loss surgery and patients should be aware of all the potential risks before they agree to have the treatment. All procedures that are carried out under general anaesthesia carry risks and these can be heightened in overweight patients; risks include:

  • Internal bleeding
  • Infection
  • Nerve damage (this may cause permanent loss of sensation)
  • Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic (also known as anaphylaxis)
  • Blood clotting and deep vein thrombosis

General anaesthetic is used in a large number of procedures each year and anaesthetists are highly trained so the risk of complications is extremely low; however, it is important that patients know the potential complications before they have the operation.

Specific risks associated with weight loss surgery include:

  • Obstruction of the bowel
  • Internal bleeding
  • Clotting and deep vein thrombosis
  • Leakage from the internal organs, particularly the bowel and intestine
  • Lung infection
  • General infection

FAQs about Weight loss surgery

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