Bariatric Surgery Risks

Our approach to patient care has resulted in zero mortality to date and a complication rate that is lower than the national average. These surgical results stand out as some of the best in New Jersey.

Any surgery has inherent risks.. Your healthcare team can help you weigh the possible risks against the potential benefits.

Possible risks can include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding

• Complications due to anesthesia and medications

• Deep vein thrombosis

• Infections

• Leaks from staple lines

• Marginal ulcers

• Pulmonary problems

• Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve)

• Death

The chances of risks and complications are less in the hands of a fellowship trained board certified surgeon.

According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery 2004 Consensus Statement, the national operative morbidity (complications) associated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the hands of a skilled surgeon is roughly 5 percent and the operative mortality (death) is roughly 0.5 percent or 1 in 200. Note, this is an average of all the patients with varying degree of health related medical problems and varying ages. We cannot determine your individual risks.

For the lap band the same consensus statement reported that in the hands of skilled surgeons, the operative morbidity is approximately 5 percent and operative mortality is approximately 0.1 percent or 1 in 1000.

After undergoing weight loss surgery, care should be taken to avoid getting pregnant immediately. It is advised that you wait 12 to 18 months after surgery before you conceive. In case of the lap band, you might have to talk to the surgeon and get the band adjusted.