Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Complications and Side Effects

Gastric Bypass Surgery is a very powerful surgery that is considered the "Gold Standard" in bariatrics. Gastric bypass surgery allows morbidly obese patients to lose weight very quickly and with minimal risk. By combining restrictive and malabsorptive techniques, gastric bypass surgery gives obese individuals a great change at powerful weight-loss. Unfortunately, with great reward comes risk. Since restrictive and malabsorptive techniques are used, there are more complications and side effects than gastric banding and gastric sleeve.

Even though RNY gastric bypass surgery is relatively safe, there are risks, complications and side effects. One of the most common and unpleasent side effects of gastric bypass is dumping syndrome.

Dumping Syndrome

Gastric Dumping Syndrome, or Dumping Syndrome, is a very common and uncomfortable side effect of gastric bypass. Dumping syndrome is when undigested foods go to your small intestine too quickly. This "dumping," effect can appear soon after eating, 15 to 30 minutes following a meal, or a few hours after.

The side effects of dumping syndrome that occurs quickly after consuming a meal include nausea, vomiting, adominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, bloating, belching, fatigue, and rapid heart rate. The effects that occur after hours of consuming a meal including sweating, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, shakiness, feelings of anxiety, rapid heart rate, fainting, mental confusion, diarrhea, and low blood sugar.

Other Major Complications and Side Effects

  • Bleeding: May require emergency surgery.
  • Blood Clots: Risk can be reduced with movement
  • Infection: Wound Infections, Bladder Infections, Skin, etc.
  • Stomach Leakage: Stomach contents can leak Internally
  • Bowel Obstruction: Stomach opening can become blocked.
  • Death: Death occurs about 1 in 350 Surgeries.
  • Cancer
  • Depression
  • Excessive Weight-Loss
  • Insufficient Weight-Loss
  • Allergic Reactions
  • Anesthetic Complications
  • Hair Loss
  • Hernia
  • Loss of Bodily Functions
  • Vitamin and Mineral Deficiences
  • Pregnancy Complications

General to Mild Discomfort

  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Diarrhea