Possible Risks | Denver Center for Bariatric Surgery

Risks & Complications

As with any surgery, there are possible risks and complications, from reactions to anesthesia to regaining weight after surgery. Through our patients’ required training, we go over in great detail the procedures, the risks, and the benefits. The results of our analyses show that what we do is safe, effective and in line with national standards.

Lowering Your Risk

You can help lower your risks and side effects by:

  • Increasing activity
  • Stopping smoking
  • Limiting food and drink choices.
  • Making a commitment to change in diet and exercise

It’s essential for you to follow the vitamin regimen administered to you post-surgery, as you are otherwise putting your body at risk of developing serious health issues.

Risks Of Undergoing
Bariatric Surgery

The risks associated with bariatric surgery are minimal, as weight-loss surgery at the Denver Center for Bariatric Surgery is quite safe with all outcomes tracked by our national database and certification processes. However, there are important risk factors associated that need to be considered before moving forward with bariatric surgery.

Post-operative risks include:

  • Anesthesia-related risks
  • Technical issues with your new anatomy and staple lines
  • Inability to eat certain foods
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Failure to lose weight

Rare long-term bariatric surgery risks include:

  • Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, reflux/GERD
  • Nutrition challenges
  • Ulcers
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Hernias
  • Vitamin deficits

Along with overarching bariatric surgery risks, each procedure comes with unique risks. Before your procedure, our providers will ensure you fully understand the risks and everything you can do to help mitigate them.

Gastric bypass risks:

  • Gallstones
  • Bleeding
  • Leakage
  • Perforated bowel
  • Malnutrition
  • Ulcers
  • Iron deficiency
  • Internal hernias

Gastric sleeve risks:

  • Blood clots
  • Stricture
  • Internal bleeding

Duodenal switch risks:

  • Blood clots
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Low blood sugar
  • Vitamin deficiencies