Reasons to Avoid Bariatric Surgery

(732 Words)
Bariatric surgery may sound like a miracle, promising amazing results that would otherwise take months or years to achieve. Popular procedures include Roux-en-Y, where the stomach is stapled creating a small pouch. Food then bypasses a section of the small intestine. In Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, 80% of the stomach is removed and the majority of the intestines is bypassed. Other procedures include Lap-Band adjustable gastric banding and Vertical banded gastroplasty.
Due to the large amount of weight loss that can occur, bariatric surgery can prevent a number of diseases and conditions, resulting in a mortality reduction. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative aspects to this surgery as well, and it is important to be informed before taking any steps. Consider all of the drawbacks when deciding whether to avoid this procedure.
Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
Some individuals have difficulty getting all of the vitamins and food that they need once they have had bariatric surgery. This can be a greater risk in certain procedures such as the aforementioned Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Many patients will need to take a vitamin to help combat this. If they do not, further complications can occur such as pellagra, beri beri, and kwashiorkor. Permanent damage to the nervous system can also occur.
Risks of surgery
Many types of bariatric surgery are major surgery, and contain much of the same risks that other surgeries do. For instance, some people have reactions to the anesthesia. Other patients bleed too much or hemorrhage. Infections can also occur, some quite potent. Some people also develop blood clots, which can then travel to the heart or lungs and be life-threatening.
Hernias
Hernias can be a complication of bariatric surgery. An incisional hernia is one in which a weakness protrudes from the abdominal wall’s connective tissue. The bowel may then experience a blockage. In an internal hernia, the small bowel gets displaced within pockets that reside in the abdomen’s lining. These can be very dangerous.
Gallstones
Some people will develop gallstones from losing weight so quickly. Some physicians will even remove the gallbladder to prevent this.
Other complications
Some patients suffer from dehydration as a result of bariatric surgery. You may develop kidney stones, low blood sugar or a bleeding stomach ulcer. Rare side effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include leaking in the staple lines, pneumonia and dumping syndrome.
You are not able to eat as much food
Depending on the type of bariatric surgery you get, you may not be able to eat as much. You may regret limiting yourself to such a small amount of food. Also, some people also will develop an intolerance to certain foods. You may not be able to enjoy foods you once loved.
You may need close monitoring
Bariatric surgery can affect your general health greatly. In many cases, you will not be able to simply do it and then forget about it. You may require close monitoring by a physician, potentially for the rest of your life. Many patients do not want to be so tethered to their doctors or always on the lookout for a problem such as malnutrition.
Certain types are not reversible
Depending on the type of bariatric surgery you get, you may not be able to reverse it. If you are not happy with the results or the dietary limitations or other problems, then you will have little to no recourse.
You may not lose all of the weight you want
Although bariatric surgery is very effective in many cases, it is not magical. Not everyone loses all of the weight.
You can lose the weight yourself
You may feel like you absolutely cannot lose the weight on your own without surgery. The truth is that many have lost tens and even hundreds of pounds through diet and exercise. This weight loss will provide the same benefits of bariatric surgery without the drawbacks. Perhaps the knowledge that bariatric surgery is your last option may propel you to take care of your weight the old fashioned way. You can utilize a program such as Weight Watchers or just do it on your own.
Bariatric surgery is major surgery and should not be entered into lightly. Remember that it can save lives. For some it makes a lot of sense; for others it does not. Consider all of the factors when making this decision.
Resources:
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm#complications
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/MY00825/DSECTION=risks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariatric_surgery