Understanding Gastric Sleeve Risks

Every surgical procedure comes with a certain number of risks, and gastric sleeve surgery is no exception. Fortunately, Houston-area patients can mitigate these risks by closely following the advice of board certified general surgeon Dr. Matthew St. Laurent, one of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons in the area, having performed thousands of advanced laparoscopic and bariatric procedures.

Gastric sleeve surgery is a major operation that requires Dr. St. Laurent to remove a sizeable portion of your stomach. As a result, extended recovery time may be needed, during which time you may notice side effects such as the following:

• Gastritis, or an inflamed stomach lining
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Dumping, a condition whereby food moves too quickly into the small intestine
• Dehydration

These symptoms are more likely to occur if you eat certain foods or beverages. For this reason, you should adhere to a rigid diet plan during the first few weeks after surgery.

Risk of Infection

There is a risk of infection any time an incision is made in the body. As such, you should check the incision site frequently for signs of swelling or oozing fluid. You could also experience an internal infection known as peritonitis,which occurs whenever stomach fluid leaks into the abdominal cavity. Some signs of peritonitis are the following:

• Swollen abdomen
• Pain and tenderness in the abdomen that may radiate into the shoulder
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills and/or fever
• Rapid breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Some patients experience nutritional deficiencies, since removing part of the stomach affects how well vitamins and minerals are absorbed by the body. This can eventually lead to conditions such as anemia or osteoporosis, especially in women. It’s important to work with a nutritionist to come up with an effective diet plan that will provide the right vitamins and minerals. Taking a multi-vitamin daily may be required as well.

To read our procedure guide, click here.

While there are certain risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery, the benefits can far exceed them for people who are severely overweight. An analysis of your risks and benefits begins with a contact call to Dr. Matthew St. Laurent at 281-301-1404.