Weight loss surgery in Tijuana has transformed the lives of thousands of patients, freeing them from the bonds of obesity. While the benefits are great and as a whole outweigh the disadvantages, weight loss surgery complications are a very real risk for anyone getting a bariatric procedure.
As with any surgery, there are rare but serious complications to be aware of. However, we prefer to focus on the smaller but more common ones you might encounter. So, what are some things you could run into after weight loss surgery in Tijuana, Mexico?
Gaining Back the Weight
This is the biggest problem associated with weight loss surgery, though it is rarely due to the procedure itself. In most cases, it is because the patient fails to follow the diet progression stages after bariatric surgery or exercise as they should.
Going off the bariatric diet can cause stomach stretching, leading to weight gain. Additionally, eating small portions but too many calories can also allow the body to gain weight after surgery. Post-op exercise is just as essential as the diet, so failing to be active can stall or reverse weight loss.
Malnutrition
Anemia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies can develop after weight loss surgery due to a poor diet and reduced nutrient consumption. This is why following the post-op diet is so important; if a patient fails to eat a balanced diet, they can end up very ill.
Dumping Syndrome
Once again, this isn’t a complication from surgery on its own. Dumping syndrome occurs when patients binge or eat too much sugar at one time, triggering the stomach to pass the food rapidly into the intestines. This causes intense discomfort, though it is not life-threatening.
Leaking
Sometimes, the sutures in the stomach can develop issues, allowing the stomach contents to leak into the abdominal cavity. This can be life-threatening and does require additional surgery to repair. While still rare, this is the most common serious complication of surgery.
Gallstones
Many people develop gall stones at some point in their lives, but it is incredibly common for those who have had weight loss surgery. This is because they can be triggered by rapid weight loss and a severe reduction in calories. About 1 in 3 patients will develop gall stones after their surgery, which typically can be managed with medications.
Constipation
Constipation after gastric sleeve and other bariatric surgeries is common due to the medications taken and the extreme change in diet. This is problematic since bearing down to have a bowel movement can hurt you after an abdominal surgery. Do not treat this with over-the-counter medications; only take what your surgeon prescribes.
Keep in mind that different bariatric surgeries come with different risks. To learn more, contact ALO Bariatrics.
