Weight loss surgery is often a good option for patients that are 100 pounds or more over their average body weight. Those who are morbidly obese often suffer from health issues that are directly related to being overweight. After surgery, most patients find that many of these health issues are reduced. Having weight loss surgery can help a patient loss about 36 percent of their excess weight in about two years. This is a popular reason why many turn to weight loss surgery. However, it is important to remember that even with the benefits, weight loss surgery can come with complications.

There are several short-term risks that are often associated with weight loss surgery. These side effects can range from:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• constipation
• abdominal cramping.

Most of these side effects are not long term after the patient gets accustomed to their new diet and exercise regimen. There are however, some serious complications that are related to weight loss surgery. Some of these complications can be more serious than others. Complications will also depend on what kind of surgery is performed.

Other serius complications in weight loss surgery:

An open procedure, or a surgery where the body is opened with a large incision can often lead to infected wounds, more healing time and more healing time. Laparoscopic surgeries, or those with smaller incisions, can sometimes lead to lung problems, wound ruptures, blood clots, and liver and spleen damage. With any type of surgery, there are specific risks of complications.

With the Lap-Band weight loss surgery, there are some complications that are only associated with this surgery. These complications can include problems with the band on the stomach.
The band can slip or the stomach can slip out of place.
After the band is filled with saline, the band can spontaneously deflate. This can cause a leakage that can come from the band, the port or the connecting tubing. Another problem with the band is that in some patients, the band can erode into the stomach, leading to the need of another surgery. With the Lap-Band weight loss surgery system, the smaller stomach pouch that has been created can become enlarged or can be blocked.

In any weight loss surgery, there is the possibility that the newly created stomach pouch can become obstructed.
This can be a potentially dangerous complication so it is important for patients to follow all guidelines. Obstruction can be caused by eating the wrong kinds of food which can be stringy, fibrous foods, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables with seeds, shrimp, untoasted or doughy breads, dried fruits and meats, popcorn, greasy and fried foods and citrus fruits.
Also, the stomach twisting following surgery or becoming enlarged can cause obstruction. When a patient’s stomach becomes obstructed, there will be cramping, binge eating, nausea and vomiting. It is very important for potential weight loss surgery patients to discuss any questions about complications before the surgery is performed. Serious complications are reported in about five percent of all weight loss surgery patients following surgery.