Bariatric surgery - Early complications

Leaks where the new connections in the gastrointestinal tract have been made. This may necessitate a return to the operating room within the first 1-2 weeks after the surgery date.

Bleeding. This may be due to the surgery on the stomach or intestines as well as other organs that are very close to the stomach such as the spleen or liver.

Pre-operative anti-coagulants given to prevent clots from forming in your legs may increase your risk of bleeding.

If significant bleeding does occur after your surgery, you may require a blood transfusion and/or a return to the operating room for additional surgery to stop the bleeding.

Small bowel obstruction may also necessitate a repeat surgery. This occurs due to “kinking” of the small intestine in its new arrangement.

Clots can form in the large deep veins of the leg of any patient undergoing surgery. These can occasionally break free and move into the lungs, which could cause a life threatening condition.

You will be given an anticoagulant to help prevent this clotting problem. However, the risk can never be completely eliminated.

Postoperative pneumonia. May develop if you are unable to take deep breaths after surgery. Pulmonary therapy, which includes cough-deep breathing exercises, getting out of bed, walking as early as 4 hours after your surgery, and frequent use of the incentive spirometer, helps decrease the risk of pneumonia.

Wound infection or seroma (fluid collection). Pre-operative antibiotics are given to prevent infection and careful monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection are done while you are in the hospital.

You will also be given careful instructions before you return home to watch and call immediately for signs of an infection starting.