I had an orientation class with my health insurance provider, the first step in being accepted in to their bariatric program. One of their surgeons spoke and went over all of the possible side effects of having gastric bypass done, however he didn't go in to the rates/chances for any of them, or what the treatment options are. I am hoping to get the sleeve done but I may have a medical condition that would force me to have the bypass instead, so before I find out which way I have to go, I want to make sure I have all of the information that I need.

My biggest concern is malabsorption of nutrients. He said they have some patients that now have to come in monthly to receive shots to make of for nutrients they are unable to receive via eating. That sounds like a horrible situation, but he didn't cite any sort of statistics on the chances, and the internet seems to be coming up empty handed as well.

He also said the chance of ulcers were "very high" and "maybe as high as 30 percent", but he only spoke about it in generalities. He also mentioned no methods of treatments should this apparently very common issue occur. The internet seems to say you might be able to correct it via medication but there doesn't seem to be a consensus from what I have read.

Can anyone shed a little light on these issues?

I do know that galbladder problems are fairly common. Im purely making an educated guess but I would imagine its somewhere close to 15-30% of patients that end up needing their gallbladder removed (which is why generally many patients at least where I work have their gallbladder removed during the bypass if they have any stones even if they arent symptomatic)

Other than that I know internal hernias are fairly common.

Dumping Syndrome very common, especially if you dont behave with your diet.

Ulcers can be common, especially if you do stupid crap (ie smoke drink)

As for the shots cant they be given at home ? I mean diabetics take insulin at home all the time, no idea why someone couldnt give once monthly vitamin B injections at home. The shot isnt a big deal, so much as having to go to the doctor and sit there and wait

Edited July 26, 20179 yr by Mhy12784