What You Need To Know: Your Guide to WLS Complications
February 17, 2025Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) can be a transformative option for those struggling with severe obesity, offering significant benefits in terms of weight loss, improved health, and enhanced quality of life. However, like any major surgery, it comes with potential risks and complications. Understanding what could go wrong and being prepared for these WLS complications is a key part of the decision-making process.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common and serious complications associated with WLS, from immediate post-surgical concerns to long-term issues. Whether you're considering surgery or are already on your journey, this information will help you make informed choices and know what to expect as you work toward a healthier future.
Hernias After WLS: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Bariatric surgery patients often have concerns about hernias. Basically, a hernia is a defect or a hole where there should not be one. The most common hernias I see in bariatric patients are hiatal hernias, ventral hernias, umbilical hernias, and internal hernias.
Complications Happen, My Struggle With a Stricture
A stricture is a constraint or narrowing of an opening. Medically, it often occurs at the gastro-esophageal junction, where the esophagus meets the stomach. In bariatric surgery patients, strictures typically develop at the new connection between the stomach and small bowel.
Bowel Obstruction after WLS: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Abdominal operations can create scar tissue (adhesions) that may cause bowel obstruction. Laparoscopic surgeries, like gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band procedures, result in less scar tissue and a lower risk of bowel obstruction than traditional open surgeries.
Leaks After WLS: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
If you are considering gastric bypass or sleeve surgery, you likely have questions about potential complications. While these procedures do carry risks such as nausea, vomiting, wound infection, and dehydration, the less common risk of gastrointestinal (GI) leaks is often the most feared and misunderstood.
Blood Clots After WLS: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Walking immediately after surgery is highly beneficial in preventing blood clots. It reduces WLS complications of post-operative pain and involves patients in their own recovery. Weight loss surgery is part of a broader lifestyle change for better health. Embrace these changes for a longer, healthier life. Start walking now and continue after surgery to achieve a healthier you.
Low Blood Sugar After WLS: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when blood glucose drops below 70 mg/dL. It is most common in diabetics, especially when insulin is taken without a balanced meal. In non-diabetics, hypoglycemia can be fasting (due to medical conditions or medications) or reactive (linked to pre-diabetes, bariatric surgery, or rare enzyme deficiencies). So what happens when you experience low blood sugar after WLS?
Ulcers After WLS: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Some causes of ulcers after weight loss surgery are preventable, while others are not. The most common causes are smoking and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Motrin, and Aleve. Alcohol consumption and taking steroids like Prednisone can also contribute to ulcer formation.
