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 As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Short-term risks range from leaks from various points where the stomach and small bowel are stapled to problems with clotting, a risk in all surgeries. Nationally, fatality risks average three to four per every 1,000 surgeries. Dr. Smith has had one mortality in the more than 700 surgeries performed to date.
In the early 1990's the National Institute of Health conducted a conference, which looked at the data on bariatric surgery. "The numbers from that conference were quite impressive in that this surgery statistically both improved the quality of life and the length of life which justifies the risk of the procedure." Smith says.
The bottom line is this will be a big adjustment in terms of eating behavior and lifestyle, and certainly there's a calculated risk, with a small but real risk, of major complications. But the risks appear to be justified in that the vast majority of people gain both an improvement in quality and length of life from the procedure. Our success rates are extremely high compared to national morbidity rates.
It is reasonable to undergo a bariatric surgical procedure to achieve improved health, or improved ability to be active. You should not enter into this surgical commitment to become more attractive, to mend a distressed marriage, or for other social factors.
Prepare for changes in your lifestyle
You must consider the fact that if the surgery creates the effects it is intended to, it will cause dramatic and irrevocable changes in your lifestyle, in all your personal relationships (not always good changes) and in your relationship with food. Consider how deeply intertwined food is with many American social functions ranging from weddings to funerals to just "going out." People who undergo bariatric surgery do not function "normally" in these food-oriented situations; they are not able to occupy themselves with food and must learn new ways to occupy themselves socially.
Weight loss and the subsequent improvement in medical problems are the main reasons for bariatric surgery. The weight loss has a significant positive impact on various medical conditions that are associated with obesity.
Statistically, the group of patients who undergo bariatric surgery do better and live longer than equally heavy people who try to lose weight without surgery. This statement includes the complications and risks outlined above. The tough part is that these numbers are only rough guides for outcomes and there is no way to guarantee that a given patient will fall in the "good" category.
What happens after surgery?
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