Are there any risks with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
Yes, there are risks with any abdominal surgery. These risks include bleeding, the need for a blood transfusion, infection, the need for reoperation, injury to other abdominal organs, pain, complications outside of the abdomen, including the heart (MI or heart attack, arrhythmia), lungs (pneumonia), blood clots and death. Risks specific to gastric bypass surgery include a leak, nausea, vomiting, dumping (especially if high sugar drinks or foods are ingested), temporary hair loss, failure to lose weight, vitamin deficiencies that may progress to (if not corrected) severe neurological abnormality and death. Risks and benefits of the surgery should be discussed in detail with your surgeon before you decide to have surgery.
