What are the risks of weight loss surgery?

As with any surgery, there can be immediate and long-term complications and risks. Over the last 20 years, we have found that weight loss surgery has become increasingly safe. When you look at the diseases that most patients live with such as diabetes, heart disease, renal problems, and sleep apnea, it’s by far safer now to have surgery than to live with these medical problems.

Possible risks can include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding 
• Complications due to anesthesia and medications 
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together) 
• Infections 
• Leaks from staple lines 
• Marginal ulcers 
• Pulmonary problems 
• Spleen injury 
• Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve) 
• Death