It's natural to be concerned about the risks associated with gastric bypass
and gastric banding surgery, since some complications associated with weight
loss surgery can be fatal.

A recent study by University of Washington researchers found the fatality
rate from gastric bypass surgery can be as high as 5% for younger patients, and
50% or more for older patients.

Less experienced surgeons and obesity clinics have the highest rates of
complications. It makes sense to discuss the possible risks with your doctor
before agreeing to the surgery, and to find out how many previous surgeries they
have performed, along with their outcomes.

Gastric Banding Complications:

It appears there are fewer complications after Lap-Band™ weight loss surgery,
which restricts the size of the stomach but does not change the intestinal tract
or cause the malabsorption of nutrients. The most common risks of this type of
procedure are nausea, vomiting and gastroesophageal reflux.

Since this type of procedure does not cause the "dumping syndrome" common to
gastric bypass surgeries, Lap-Band patients are still able to eat sugary and
high-fat foods in small quantities. This may be why these patients lose weight
slower than those who undergo a more invasive gastric bypass surgery.

Gastric Bypass Complications:

There is a longer list of common complications and risks associated with the
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, but many surgeons and obesity centers prefer
to offer this type of surgery because of it's overall safety record and the fast
weight loss experienced by most post-gastric bypass patients. Among the common
complications are:

* Bleeding, either internally and at the site of incision.

* Leakage around the internal sutures, causing food or liquids to exit the
digestive system into the abdominal wall.

* Internal and external infections.

* Gallstones due to significant weight loss in a short amount of time, which
will often require a return to the operating room, and which may be
life-threatening.

* Gastritis, an inflamation of the stomach lining.

* Vomiting, if too much food is eaten at one time.

* Malabsorption of Iron or vitamin B12, which can lead to anemia.

* Malabsorption of calcium, which can contribute to bone loss (early
osteoporosis) or other bone disorders.

* Dumping Syndrome - including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a bloated feeling,
dizziness and sweating. These symptoms can be somewhat controlled by following a
strict diet and continuing with nutritional counseling after your surgery.

* Emotional issues resulting from rapid weight loss and a change in the
patient's self-image, or changes in family relationship dynamics after the
surgery.

Any operation comes with risks, and obese patients have even greater than
normal risks due to common conditions associated with their excess weight, such
as diabetes or heart disease. Your surgeon will carefully monitor your progress
after surgery to reduce the risk of infections, pneumonia or pulmonary embolism.

The care you receive after your surgery is particularly important, because
this is when the medical staff at the hospital can discover any problems, such
as leakage and infection, which will need immediate emergency surgery or
treatment.

It is also important to keep up your regular exams after surgery, and follow
the diet and other advice given you when you're released from the hospital. Some
problems such as infection, pneumonia and gallstones can be fatal if not treated
in time, and may occur after you go home.

Since the outcomes of surgery are much more positive if the surgeon and staff
of the obesity center are experienced in this type of surgery, you may want to
insist on treatment only at a bariatric surgery facility that has been
designated as a Center of Excellence. Your health insurance company will be able
to help you find a Center of Excellence in your state.

About the Author

Learn more about gastric
bypass and gastric banding complications, the costs of gastric bypass, and
alternatives to weight loss surgery, at http://www.1gastricbypass.com