Gastric Sleeve Complications, Side Effects

Learn the typical side effects patient’s experience and complications of gastric sleeve surgery.

One of the significant factors associated with deciding to follow through with this surgery is the complications and risks involved in the procedure. Like all other surgeries, there are risks to be considered. Before deciding whether or not gastric sleeve is for you, all of these should be addressed and assessed according to your current health condition. The gastric sleeve is irreversible as it creates a small pouch for food and reduces the stomach permanently. The new sleeve helps to keep portion sizes down, which leads to rapid weight loss. Learning how to handle the new stomach size is vital as excessive eating can lead to a stretched-out sleeve over time.

Complications & Risks of Gastric Sleeve 

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular weight loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller stomach “sleeve” that holds less food. The procedure is considered to be less invasive than other weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass, but like any surgery, it does have some potential risks and complications. Some of the most common complications of gastric sleeve surgery include:

1. Bleeding: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. This can be caused by injury to blood vessels or by a condition called deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the body.
2. Infection: Surgery can also cause an infection at the incision site or in the organs that were operated on.
3. Leakage: There is a slight risk of leakage from the staple line of the stomach after surgery.
4. Blood clots: Blood clots can form in the legs and travel to the lungs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary embolism (PE).
5. Dumping syndrome: Dumping syndrome is a condition where food moves too quickly through the small intestine and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
6. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur in the first few weeks after surgery as the body adjusts to the new stomach size.
7. Nutritional deficiencies: Gastric sleeve surgery can cause nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin B12, and calcium, so it’s important to take supplements and eat a balanced diet after surgery.
8. Staple line failure: Staple line failure can happen in rare cases, which may require revision surgery.
9. Gastric sleeve stenosis: This is a condition where the opening between the stomach and small intestine becomes narrowed, making it difficult for food to pass through. It can be caused by scar tissue formation, and it is treated with a procedure called dilation.
10. Hernia: Hernia can occur as a result of surgery, where the stomach or other organs protrude through the incision.
11. Gallstones: Rapid weight loss can cause formation of gallstones, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
12. Reflux or heartburn: Gastric sleeve surgery may cause acid reflux or heartburn in some patients. This can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes.
13. Long-term weight regain: Gastric sleeve surgery is not a permanent solution for weight loss, and some patients may regain weight if they do not maintain a healthy lifestyle.

It’s important to keep in mind that the risk of complications varies from person to person and that most patients do not experience any major complications. It’s important to discuss the risks and potential complications with your surgeon and to follow the recommended post-operative care instructions to minimize the risk of complications.

Side Effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight-loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller stomach “sleeve” that holds less food. As with any surgery, there can be side effects and it’s important to be aware of them. Some of the most common side effects of gastric sleeve surgery include:

1. Pain: Pain is a common side effect of surgery, and it can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
2. Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur in the first few weeks after surgery as the body adjusts to the new stomach size.
3. Dizziness: Dizziness can occur due to the changes in the body and the use of anesthesia during surgery.
4. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common side effect of surgery and can be due to the body’s healing process.
5. Constipation: Constipation can occur due to the changes in the diet and the use of pain medication.
6. Difficulty in eating: Gastric sleeve surgery can change the way food is digested, and it may take some time to adjust to the new stomach size.
7. Dumping syndrome: Dumping syndrome is a condition where food moves too quickly through the small intestine and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
8. Hair loss: Rapid weight loss can cause temporary hair loss, but it usually grows back once the body adjusts to the new weight.
9. Excess skin: Rapid weight loss can cause excess skin, especially in areas such as the arms, legs, and face, which may require additional surgery to remove.
10. Difficulty in swallowing: Gastric sleeve surgery can cause difficulty in swallowing, especially in the first few weeks after surgery.
11. Low blood sugar: Gastric sleeve surgery can cause low blood sugar levels, especially in patients with diabetes.
12. Depression and anxiety: Rapid weight loss can also cause depression and anxiety. It’s important to address these issues with a mental health professional.
13. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Gastric sleeve surgery can cause nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin B12, and calcium, so it’s important to take supplements and eat a balanced diet after surgery.
14. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastric sleeve surgery may cause acid reflux or heartburn in some patients. This can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes.
15. Staple line failure: Staple line failure can happen in rare cases, which may require revision surgery.

Risks Associated with Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Some risks associated with this weight loss surgery include (and are not limited to):

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Difficulty breathing
• Gastrointestinal problems such as leakages
• Blood clots
• Death (rare cases)

While these risks are associated with the post-op gastric sleeve, there are also many long-term risks and complications that should be considered carefully when deciding whether this surgery is for you. Most patients do tolerate surgery well; however, in some cases, there are some problems later in life associated with one’s gastric sleeve surgery.

Nausea is caused by eating too much food following your weight loss surgery procedure. You must understand that your stomach has been dramatically reduced, so it is easy to reach capacity fast. Nausea also occurs when you do not chew your food enough.

What is Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping syndrome is symptoms that can develop because of surgery that removes all or a portion of the stomach. Rapid gastric emptying occurs when the undigested content of the stomach moves too quickly through the bowel. Symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramps can happen in those that eat too much or too fast post-op. To prevent these symptoms, adjust your diet so that light foods that are easy to digest are consumed the most.

Other Complications and Risks Associated with Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Some other less common risks or complications include heart attack, spleen injuries, internal bleeding, stroke, irregular heartbeat, eating disorders, congestive heart failure, weight gain, anemia, gallbladder disease, urinary tract infection, and weakness. Always speak with your doctor to understand all risks and discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Non-Physical Complications and Risks

Most gastric sleeve patients lose a significant amount of weight after surgery. This dramatic weight loss can cause social difficulty and emotional issues. These changes can be hard to manage and may require assistance through support groups or with counseling. The body will become soft, skin loses and seem flabby. Some patients decide to embark on plastic surgery after their weight loss journey. Some procedures they choose include arm lift, corset trunkplasty, tummy tuck or bra-line back lift.

Statistics Associated with Gastric Sleeve Risks

Some recent studies report that the four most common complications are GERD, leaks, bleeding, and stenosis. Only 2.2% of patients experience leaks, 1.2% bleeding and .06% stenosis. 1 out of 5 patients does develop GERD. These are all minor complications and are easy to treat.

Tips for Preventing Complications During Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery

It’s always important to be educated on how you can reduce your chance of developing risks or complications associated with your gastric sleeve surgery. This includes researching the surgeon you use, be as detailed as possible with your medical history during the initial consultation and understanding these risks and complications before surgery. Following the post-op diet and guidelines strictly will also help prevent the chance of these things occurring too.

References:

1. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/bariatric-surgery.html