Bariatric surgery : risk and benefit

Abstract EN

Obese patients loss more weight with bariatric surgery than with medical weight loss treatment. The laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure results in more short term weight loss than laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, but the latter has fewer postoperative complication and lower mortality rate; long term comparative data are currently lacking.

The decision regarding which procedure to perform should be based on individual patient and surgeon factors.

Early complications of gastric bypass surgery are bleeding, anastomotic leak, wound infection, thromboembolism, and anastomotic stricture.

Longer term complication scan include marginal ulcers, bowel obstruction, gallstones, and nutritional deficiencies.

Complication of adjustable gastric banding includes prolapsed and erosion.

Patient typically loses more than 50% of their excess weight after bariatric surgery.

Obesity related diseases markedly improve after bariatric surgery, reducing cardiovascular risk and improving life expectancy.

Patient undergoing bariatric surgery must commit to a program of lifestyle changes, diet, vitamin supplementation, and follow-up.