What are the disadvantages of bariatric surgery?

After obesity has been recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association (AMA), there has been enough advancement for its treatment. There are several approaches to prevent and treat obesity. The first and foremost solution to obesity is lifestyle change such as exercise routine and a proper diet plan. However, if one fails to lose excess weight with the lifestyle change, the best bariatric surgeon in Lahore may recommend using the medicines such as orlistat, phentermine, and liraglutide. People with stubborn fat are often set to laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. Moreover, just like every surgical procedure, there are several disadvantages of bariatric surgery as well.

There are certain types of bariatric surgery procedures available, and the physicians choose the best suitable approach just according to the needs and preferences of the candidate. Surgery either restricts the amount of food intake or nutrients absorption. However, whatever is the method of choice for the candidate, the surgery may pose some disadvantages as well. Some of the most probable cons are as under

Nutrition and metabolic disadvantages of bariatric surgery

Studies and reports indicate that the patients may have to suffer micronutrient deficiencies such as deficiency of vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and vitamin D after bariatric surgery. Other than these, there may be deficiencies of thiamine, fat-soluble vitamins and folate. Sleeve gastrectomy promises health improvements and nutrient deficiencies within the first three years after surgery. However, at year five, the nutrient levels revert to normal. Hence, the patient needs proper care. Guidance and checkup at least up to five years after surgery until the body reaches a stable state both in terms of weight and metabolism is a must.

It is notable that the nutritional disadvantages of bariatric surgery are more evident in candidates who undergo sleeve gastrectomy rather than the laparoscopic Roux Y gastric bypass.

Short term consequences

There may be a variety of complications right after the surgery during the postoperative duration. Primarily the following complications are observed among the patients with bariatric surgery

• Hemorrhage
• Chest infection
• Abscess
• Anatomic leakage
• Incisional hernia
• Relaparoscopy for retained drain
• Pulmonary emboli
• Wound infections
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Rhabdomyolysis in men

Moreover, after one hour of post-surgery, eating the patient may also cause flushing, diarrhea, bloating, and lightheadedness.

Intra-operative disadvantages of bariatric surgery

No doubt, the risk of the intra-operative complications can be avoided by choosing the best bariatric surgeon in Pakistan. These intra-operative complications include;

• Bleeding
• Leakage
• Gastric fistulae

However, it is notable that a significant amount of data is only about the complications after the sleeve gastrectomy in Pakistan rather than the intra-operative complications. These complications are treated with sutures, cauterization, clips, sealants, or they are just self-resolved with the pressure along the staple line.

Weight loss variation as disadvantages of bariatric surgery

Though it does not fall in the category of disadvantages, it is worth discussing the aftermath of bariatric surgery. No doubt, bariatric surgery is the most promising dramatic route of weight loss. However, the results may vary depending upon the candidate’s condition. According to a research study, 77% of the patients exhibited the expected dramatic weight loss over 18 months. Whereas 23% of patients failed to lose weight significantly, regained weight, or there was no improvement in the comorbidities. A fraction of these patients also opts to choose the best weight loss surgeon in Pakistan and go for a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Dumping syndrome

The medical condition in which the stomach empties itself into the duodenum faster than usual is referred to as dumping syndrome. Another name for such disadvantages of bariatric surgery is rapid gastric emptying. It is customary with people who have undergone any type of laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. It may be of two kinds; 1) early dumping 2) late dumping.

Upon sensing the dense mass of food from the stomach, the intestine releases gut hormones. Consequently, the body shifts the fluid circulating in the bloodstream into the intestine, making it fuller and bloated. As a result, it causes diarrhea within 30 to 60 minutes.

Moreover, the intestine also releases various other substances that impact blood pressure, heart rates and cause lightheadedness.

However, in case of late dumping, the blood sugar levels decrease referred to as reactive hypoglycemia. The patient is more likely to suffer from dumping syndrome if there is too many starches or sugar in the food, such as fructose ad sucrose. This causes the release of large surges of insulin which then lowers down too much.

Symptoms of the dumping syndrome

With reference to the dumping syndrome, one may have to suffer the following disadvantages of bariatric surgery as the symptoms of dumping syndrome.

• Facial flushing
• Sweating
• Stomach growling or rumbling
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Diarrhea
• Satiety with a tiny portion of food
• Palpitations or fast heart rate
• Fainting and dizziness

However, the symptoms of late dumping syndrome differ slightly, such as

• Aggression
• Tremors
• Fainting
• Sweating
• Hunger
• Fatigue

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, GERD is much more complex than just heartburn. GERD occurs when the stomach fails to keep the contents inside due to the weakening of muscles. The reflux of the stomach content causes an uncomfortable feeling which may be a pain as well. The patient may feel that the stomach contents are coming up into the throat. The condition may also include the following symptoms;

• Trouble in swallowing
• Laryngitis
• Wheezing chest pain
• Sleep apnea
• Asthma
• Throat clearing
• Sore throat
• Wheezing
• Chronic cough

If you have heartburn after eating spicy or oily food once in a while, it is normal and most likely it would be a typical heartburn. However, it is frequent such as heartburn twice or more in a week, and it is most likely to be GERD. To treat GERD, there are several options available for laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery in Pakistan.

However, if you think of going under knife to get rid of the excess weight, the best approach to avoid any type of disadvantages of bariatric surgery is to avail the best bariatric and weight loss surgery offer.