A lot of people think that having bariatric surgery like a gastric balloon is an easy way out. In fact, however, it isn’t. It is a dangerous procedure that can lead to various complications, and patients must be aware of that. Not just that, after having had a gastric balloon, people will never have the same life again, having to change their entire diet and lifestyle. Naturally, they are supported in this, but saying that a gastric balloon is an easy way out is simply untrue. Let’s take a look at some of the complications that can occur.
Health Problems
While all gastric procedures are designed to improve someone’s overall health by making them lose weight and keeping comorbid procedures are bay, it is possible for people to develop new health problems. These include:
- Hernias, found in between 10% and 20% of patients after surgery.
- Blood clots, found in the legs of around 1% of patients.
- Infections, which happens in about 5% of people around their incision area.
- Staple breakage or band slippage, which is easy to address but can be uncomfortable.
- Bowel obstruction, which is very rare.
- Marginal ulcers and stomal stenosis, which is also very rare.
- A need for post-operative corrective operations, which happens in between 15% and 20% of people.
- Dumping syndrome, which happens when people over eat or eat too quickly. While not a life-threatening condition, it is uncomfortable and very distressing.
- Malnutrition, particularly if people do not take the required supplements, something that they need to do for the rest of their life. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can have very serious health consequences.
- Gallstones, which happens in around 30% of patients, although these stones may have started to form while they were still obese.
- Bowel problems, which is common for the first few weeks and months after surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Is not an Easy Option
More and more people are opting for bariatric surgery to help them deal with obesity. It is a known fact that these types of surgeries have high success rates and that the overall health outcomes are very positive. It also significantly increases someone’s quality of life and overall mental health. While those benefits are significant, it is important to understand that the surgery is not an easy option.
People have to have the right mindset as well. It is possible to overeat even after surgery, which may lead to dumping syndrome. However, even that is something that people can get used to. While the majority of weight loss surgeries are successful, a very small percentage of people will put weight back on. This is because they are not sufficiently committed to the lifestyle changes that they have to make if they want to be a success story. This is why it is very important to accept all the help that the surgeon offers, including counseling and therapy before and after the procedure itself.