How Safe Is Bariatric Surgery?

With any surgery, it’s imperative to consider the risks and the benefits of surgery before deciding to move forward with an operation, especially when the procedure is elective in nature. Weight loss surgery is typically elective, so it’s completely normal to wonder if pursuing the operation is worth the potential risks. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the safety of bariatric surgery, and what you can do to increase your likelihood of having a safe and routine operation.

Bariatric Surgery Safety

Medical experts and surgeons are always working to improve techniques to make procedures safer for their patients, and we’re pleased to announce that studies have found that bariatric surgery is considered an extremely safe procedure. In fact, improvements in patient-care protocols and surgical approaches have helped to decrease bariatric surgery mortality rates by more than 80 percent over the last decade, and the 30-day mortality rate following bariatric surgery now sits below 1 in 1,000 patients. When you consider the health risks that obese and morbidly obese patients face, that mortality rate is extremely encouraging given the cirumstances.

However, one aspect that often gets overlooked when it comes to evaluating the safety of bariatric surgery is what you’re risking by not pursuing the procedure. Oftentimes patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery are at an elevated risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and heart disease, all of which can have a significant impact on your health. Oftentimes living with obesity is much riskier for your long-term health than pursuing a bariatric operation.

Bariatric surgery is also considered very safe from a procedural standpoint, as it has been found to be as safe or safer than other elective surgeries. There are a number of reasons driving this enhanced safety, including:

• Laparoscopic techniques that minimize impact on the patient
• Improved anesthesia procedures
• Thorough preoperative consultations to account for any potential risks
• Surgeon specialization in specific bariatric techniques

Bariatric surgery is also improved when the patient and provider are honest and up front about any comorbidities that could impact the safety of your procedure. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, it’s imperative that you discuss these health conditions with your surgeon so that they can be accounted for before, during and after the procedure. We are always thorough with our patients during their pre-op consultations so any risks to a successful surgery are analyzed and understood so any necessary measures can be taken.

At the end of the day, no surgery is 100 percent safe every single time, but bariatric surgery is one of the safest weight loss procedures available. When you couple this fact with what you may be risking by staying obese, it’s clear that bariatric surgery may be one of the smartest decisions you make for your health. For more information on how we’ll work to ensure your weight loss procedure is safe and effective, or to learn more about your weight loss options, contact the team at The Bhatti Weight Loss Center today.