surgery complications can be scary
Complications after weight loss surgery are not just about feeling sick, they can be life-threatening and downright scary.
Feeling of nausea and vomiting can be the result of medication or anesthesia immediately after surgery. These symptoms can also be from serious complications such as dehydration, a blockage or stricture, ulcers or gall bladder.
Dehydration is not be taken lightly, if not corrected simply by additional fluid intake, you need to notify your surgeon.
One of these blockages is known as a stricture. Approximately 3%-5% of all gastric bypass patients could develop a stricture.
Strictures: A stricture occurs when the new connection between the stomach and small intestine forms scar tissue during healing. This scar tissue can close the opening of the connection. Vomiting results when food or liquid can not pass though the closure. If you suspect you have a stricture, contact your surgeon immediately.
A procedure known as an endoscopy (a camera that is passed down the mouth into the stomach) can be used to diagnose the problem.
Ulcers: One of the most common causes of nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass and sleeve patients is an ulcer. An ulcer is a sore that forms at the staple line, which is most prone to the development of ulcers.
Approximately one to 36% of all gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients may develop ulcers. However, with changes in surgical techniques, ulcer formation is much lower—down to 2 to 4%.
There are multiple factors that can play a part in the formation of ulcers after weight-loss surgery such as a bacterial infection. Most patients are given medication after surgery to prevent ulcers during the healing process. However, many risk for getting an ulcer are self-induced and can be prevented. Smoking, taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) can increase your risk of developing ulcers. Taking these medications can cause ulcerations in the stomach lining because of the absence of digestive enzymes and a significantly reduced stomach area. Ulcers can usually be treated successfully with proper medications.
Symptoms of ulcers include nausea, abdominal pain, especially after eating. Vomiting of blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds. Blood or black, tarry stool weeks after surgery. (Iron in vitamins may cause your stool to be black as well.)
Don't take chances with your health. If nausea persist, see your doctor or weight loss surgeon.
Julia Holloman
in Basic Information, Important Medical Information
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