Risks of Post Bariatric Surgery Complications Low

Weight loss surgery is designed to help patients lose weight and address the myriad of health problems that obesity can cause or make worse. While there are significant health benefits associated with losing weight after bariatric surgery, there are also very serious risks to consider. However, recent research shows that the risk for short-term complications after surgery are, in fact, very low.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health, funded a study launched in 2003 to evaluate the short-term and long-term risks associated with bariatric surgery. The study looked at 4,776 bariatric surgery patients who were 18 or older and had an average body mass index of 44.

The study found that:

• 4.1% of patients had one or more major complication within the first 30 days.
• 0.3% of patients died within the first 30 days.
• There were no significant differences in complication risk among the different types of weight loss surgeries.
• A preoperative history of deep-vein blood clots or sleep apnea increased the risk for complications.
• Patients with a higher body mass index before surgery were at higher risk for complications after surgery.

As obesity rates continue to climb, it’s important for physicians and potential patients to be fully informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with weight loss surgery.