Results and Complications of Surgery
Obesity
is an epidemic of modern civilization. Surgery for
obesity is no less complicated than performing an “open
heart” operation for coronary artery disease or a
radical resection for cancer. Therefore, the risks are
similar – as are the potential health benefits.
Potential early serious complications include leakage
from staple and suture lines, intestinal blockage from
narrowing of the anastomosis (stenosis) or a twisting of
the bowel, blood clots, bleeding requiring transfusion
or re-operation, pneumonia, infections, effects of
anesthesia, depression and other too numerous to
mention. Any complication can lead to death.
Fortunately, most complications are manageable and rare.
Complications that you may not consider include loss of
close friends or alienation by family members, marital
problems and cross addiction to drugs such as alcohol,
narcotics or behavioral addictions such as excessive
shopping or sex. Depression may require psychological
counseling or medication for control. Hair loss is
common, but often temporary and is associated with
extreme weight loss regardless of nutritional
supplements.
Also,
you may develop problems due to an excessive amount of
skin that includes chaffing, or irritation. There is no
solution for this problem except for plastic or
reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, most insurance
companies regard these procedures as “cosmetic” and will
not cover their costs.
Life After Surgery
This is
probably the most important question. Weight loss will
occur, but there are trade-offs. You will no longer be
able to eat as much. Although most patients are no
longer hungry, it is difficult to predict how much this
volume restriction will affect your life. Many social
and family events center around food. Weight loss
reaches a peak 12-36 months following surgery. After
this, patients continue to “re-model” themselves, losing
inches as opposed to weight; changing body fat
composition, muscle mass, etc.
It is
our primary goal not just to have you lose weight, but
to have a more fulfilling and enjoyable life and to
avoid the medical complications of obesity. The great
majority of our patients have no regrets years after
this surgery. You can gain insight into your own
situation by talking to our patients at our support
group.
Some people who look
toward surgery for correction of a weight problem expect
the surgery will solve all of their problems. This is
simply not so. The surgery helps you lose weight. You
must continue to work through proper exercise and diet
to obtain the maximum benefits. Some people feel that by
losing weight, all of their social problems will be
solved. Although it is known that the patients who lose
weight have better self-esteem, a better personal life,
and more energy, obviously the surgery is not a cure for
all problems.
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