What are the side effects of bariatric surgery?

Side effects may include

• bleeding
• infection
• leaking from the site where the sections of the stomach or small intestine, or both, are stapled or sewn together
• diarrhea
• blood clots in the legs that can move to the lungs and heart

Rarely, surgery-related problems can lead to death.

Other side effects may occur later. Your body may not absorb nutrients well, especially if you don’t take your prescribed vitamins and minerals. Not getting enough nutrients can cause health problems, such as anemia and osteoporosis . Gallstones can occur after rapid weight loss. Some doctors prescribe medicine for about 6 months after surgery to help prevent gallstones. Gastric bands can erode into the stomach wall and need to be removed.