Do You Know The Side Effects Of Obesity Surgery?

Traditional obesity surgery—often referred to as gastric bypass surgery—accomplishes two goals. First, the stomach is stapled so that the small pouch left can only hold a small amount of food. Second, the small pouch of stomach is attached directly to the middle portion of the small intestine so that it bypasses (hence the name) the upper portion of the small intestine where nutrients and calories are absorbed.

Of course, any time you so dramatically alter the human body, you can expect side effects, and obesity surgery is no exception. There are several reported side effects of obesity surgery. Five of the more common ones are as follows:

Side Effects Of Obesity Surgery #1: Decreased Ability To Absorb Minerals

If calories and nutrients can’t be properly absorbed, it makes sense that the minerals the body needs to function will not be properly absorbed, either. Almost all patients who have been through gastric bypass surgery must take vitamins with iron and calcium. Almost ¼ of gastric bypass patients require monthly injections of Vitamin B12.

Side Effects Of Obesity Surgery #2: Hibernation Syndrome

In addition to the trauma of going through a surgical procedure, the body, which now is no longer absorbing nutrients properly, sends a signal to the brain that it is starving. The brain immediately decreases all non-essential activities so that the patient can survive the “famine.” This may cause the patient to feel extremely tired with no energy to get up and move, go to work, complete household chores, or pay attention to children. Additionally, the patient may become depressed over their lethargic condition. Hibernation typically only lasts a few weeks, long enough for the body to adjust to its new circumstances, but the sheer exhaustion involved makes this time period feel like it will last forever.

Side Effects Of Obesity Surgery #3: Dumping Syndrome

This syndrome is as bad as it sounds. Because part of the bowel has been bypassed, people who have had gastric bypass surgery may feel sudden, intense urges to defecate. Some obesity surgery patients report occasional incontinence of bowel.

Side Effects of Obesity Surgery #4: Loose Skin

Obesity surgery does help people lose weight rapidly. When very heavy people lose weight fast, their skin becomes loose, almost like a garment they have outgrown. Those who have lost weight with obesity surgery often complain of unattractive loose folds of skin hanging from their bodies. This skin can’t be toned, because there is no muscle in it to tone (the muscle lies underneath the skin). Typically, cosmetic surgery, which most insurance companies will not pay for, is the only way to get rid of unwanted loose skin.

Side Effects of Obesity Surgery #5: Regaining Weight

Even a stapled stomach can be slowly expanded to hold more food. Just like people who try other diets, many people who go through the trauma of weight loss surgery find themselves regaining the weight they lost and then some.

Gastric bypass surgery provides a way for patients whose lives are at risk to lose weight quickly, it is not without its problems. There are many side effects of obesity surgery, and some patients may find these side effects unacceptable. However you choose to lose weight, getting the pounds off and keeping them off will require lifestyle changes and self-discipline on your part. There is no magic cure for obesity.