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Obesity Program: Risks of Surgery
Anesthesia There is a very small risk with being put to sleep under anesthesia. The chance of death or injury is about 1 in 100,000. Surgery The biggest risks are bleeding and infection. The risk of death from these is less than 1 in 100. Because of obesity, there is greater than normal risk of blood clots forming in the legs during surgery. To help with this, you are given blood thinners while you are in the hospital. After Surgery • The biggest risk after surgery is infections. • Once in a while after the gastric bypass procedure, scar tissue in the abdomen can cause a bowel blockage. This often goes away by itself. If it doesn't, you may need another surgery. • After either weight loss surgery, many patients must take vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin B-12 for the rest of their lives. • The procedures, risks and aftercare will be reviewed thoroughly with you as you proceed through the program.
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