Most of these complications can arise after any form of surgical intervention, but we list them all again below. We can divide them into early and late complications.

1. Early complications

• In abdominal cavity
  •  
    • A suture leakage is the most serious complication after this operation (1 to 3%).
      Other complications might include haemorrhaging, damage to an organ in the abdomen, wound infection and obstruction or restricted passage through the digestive system.
      Although the risk is small it can have serious repercussions: new operation, infection of the abdominal cavity with formation of abscesses, prolonged hospitalisation and in exceptional cases, death.
• In general
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    • The most dangerous is thrombosis (blood clots) in the blood vessels of the lower limbs. These clots can become loose and cause a pulmonary embolism. In rare cases this can result in death. Although several preventive measures are taken, we cannot altogether rule out this complication.
      Other complications are lung infections, pulmonary oedema, cardiac arrhythmia and possibly heart attack, infections of the urinary tract, and so on.

The chances of death after surgery are less than 0.5%.

2. Late complications and side effects

a. Dumping syndrome

In most cases, dumping is just an uncomfortable feeling caused by eating too much sugar and eating too quickly. Dumping prevents many patients from eating sweets. In most cases, dumping contributes to better weight loss and sustained weight loss and is not therefore seen as a serious health risk. In rare cases, however, the effects can be extremely unpleasant: nausea, perspiration, fainting and diarrhoea after eating.

b. Obstruction

As a result of a growth in the abdomen, which can occur after any kind of surgical intervention in that part of the body, normal intestinal flow can sometimes become blocked. Surgery may be needed to rectify this problem.

c. Gallstones

After the operation, there is a higher risk of developing gallstones. We try to prevent this by giving medication over a period of one year. Some patients choose to have their gall bladder removed as well during surgery, since after the operation it is no longer of use.

d. Iron, folic acid, vitamin and mineral deficiency

These deficiencies can arise, particularly during the period of weight loss. Blood tests are done at regular intervals to trace any such deficiencies. It is best to take vitamins right from the start. Chronic anaemia can occur through a lack of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Depending on the results of the blood test, the doctor may prescribe iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, calcium, Vitamin D, etc.

e. Hair loss

Hair loss often occurs with rapid loss of weight. About fifty percent of patients experience this to some extent during the first year after surgery. However, this hair loss is only temporary and never complete.

f. Narrowing of the stomach outlet

In rare cases, the new stomach outlet can narrow and give rise to excessive vomiting. In most cases, this problem can be solved by stretching the opening via gastroscopy. A new operation is seldom necessary.

g. Rupture of scar tissue

Although thanks to keyhole surgery the chances of a rupture of scar tissue are very small, there may be a small rupture of an operation canal. Any rupture will be surgically repaired.

h. Stomach ulcer

An ulcer can occur near the new stomach outlet in rare cases. This can usually be treated by medication to inhibit the production of acid in the stomach.

i.  Weight gain after surgery

There may be a few reasons for this:

• Expansion of the new stomach

If the new stomach is systematically overfilled, it will gradually expand and the quantity of food you can eat at mealtimes will increase. This can also be the result of a new stomach outlet which is too narrow.

• Expansion of the stomach outlet

This can lead to weight gain because the stomach can empty more quickly and the feeling of satisfaction does not last as long, making you want to eat more.

• Unchecked ingestion of sugars

This can happen if the dumping feeling disappears.

The message here is to keep food intake under control as much as possible. This will contribute to a better result and a good feeling long after surgery.