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Bariatric surgery is intended for individuals who are 100 pounds or more over their ideal weight, with a body mass index of 40 or more, and haven’t had success with alternative forms of weight loss therapies such as diet and exercise or medications. In some cases individuals with a BMI of 35 or more are candidates for this type of procedure if they also have some other co-morbid condition that accompanies obesity.

Bariatric surgery should not be considered without first consulting a doctor and/or specialist and all other options have been exhausted. The best approach to this procedure includes a discussion with one’s doctor regarding the following:

1. Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure and should not be thought of as such.
2. Bariatric surgery does not include the removal of fat tissue like a liposuction procedure.
3. Patient and doctor should have a thorough discussion regarding benefits and risks of bariatric surgery.
4. Patient must be willing to commit to long-term lifestyle changes in order to accommodate the success of bariatric surgery.
5. Patient should be aware that problems from the procedure may require additional surgeries to correct.

As with any surgery, there is the possibility of immediate and long-term complications or risks. Patients should discuss these issues as well as benefits with his or her doctor. These risks include the following:

1. Excessive bleeding
2. Complications due to anesthesia and medications
3. Deep vein thrombosis
4. Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together)
5. Infections
6. Leaks from staple lines
7. Marginal ulcers
8. Pulmonary problems
9. Spleen injury*
10. Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve)
11. Death

*To control operative bleeding, removal of the spleen might be necessary.

According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery consensus statement for 2004, the mortality rate for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is roughly .5 percent when the procedure is performed by a skilled surgeon. For lap band procedures the mortality rate is around .1 percent.

Possible side effects include:

1. Vomiting
2. Dumping syndrome
3. Nutritional deficiencies
4. Gallstones
5. Need to temporarily avoid pregnancy
6. Nausea
7. Diarrhea
8. Increased gas
9. Bloating
10. Excessive sweating