Bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight loss surgery, is a medical procedure designed to change the size of the stomach and its impact on food digestion. The main aim is to limit stomach capacity, enabling individuals to feel full with smaller amounts of food.
In Australia, the most prevalent bariatric surgery procedures include lap band surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and gastric sleeve surgery. These surgeries are generally performed using minimally invasive techniques, involving small incisions in the abdomen.
Side Effects of Surgery
Weight loss surgery has potential health risks both in the short and long term. Short-term risks include excessive bleeding, infections, anesthesia reactions, blood clots, breathing issues, gastrointestinal leaks, and, rarely, painkiller dependence.
Long-term complications vary by surgery type and can involve bowel obstruction and symptoms like diarrhea, flushing, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Other complications are gallstones, hernias, low blood sugar, malnutrition, ulcers, vomiting, acid reflux, and the possibility of needing a second revision surgery.