How safe is weight loss surgery?

As consultant bariatric surgeons, we often get asked questions like those above, about the risks and consequences of surgery, and they are really important to discuss. We spend a lot of time during the assessment and pre-op workup, talking about this as there are often misperceptions about when surgery is indicated and how risky it is.

As weight loss surgery is your choice (nobody ever has to have the operation), it is really important to be clear about the benefits i.e. what are you going to get out of the operation, and what are you willing to risk for those benefits?

The Safety of Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery is very safe. These operations have been around for many years and millions of people have had surgery worldwide.

The surgical techniques and equipment are ever improving.
Anaesthesia and post-op recovery protocols are getting better.
Surgeons are much more experienced.
Hospital teams and GPs are also better at spotting problems.
There are well-established referral pathways back in to see the experts if needed.

Worldwide, more of these operations are being performed as a routine procedure in lighter and healthier patients in order to treat and prevent illness. They are no longer reserved just for extreme cases of obesity as is often portrayed in the media.

The overall risks of complications and death are low, and are now similar to having keyhole gallbladder surgery.

For the vast majority of patients, the risks of a complication or problem after surgery are about 5% (or 1 in 20) with a very small death rate (less than 1 in 500).

Consider the risk Vs benefits

The risks and benefits however are different for everyone. For example, one patient may have very good benefits and low risks in which case surgery would be indicated. Another patient may be the other way round with high risks and low benefits. Surgery would not be recommended for these individuals. These days however, for high-risk patients we have other interventions such as medications that may be a better option.

Patients with a higher risk tend to be heavier, older, less fit and mobile with other existing health problems such as heart or breathing issues. Having had previous bariatric surgery can also increase the risks due to the presence of scar tissue from the previous operation. Being on certain medications such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants can also increase risks of bleeding or infection.

Make sure you talk to a clinical team about your circumstances

At Verve Health Group we treat everyone as an individual and we take time to find out about your health, previous surgery and medications in detail. We will approach your GP or other health professionals for extra information if needed. We spend time with you to understand your values and expectations of the outcomes.

At Verve Health Group first person you speak to in detail about weight loss surgery, will be a consultant surgeon

Everyone will see their consultant bariatric surgeon in person beforehand in the consent appointment. Here we explain your overall and individual risks in detail. You will have plenty of time to ask any questions and we encourage you to write them down beforehand so that nothing is missed. Don’t worry, no question is too silly!

There is space for you to discuss any issues that are particularly important to you such as the effects of surgery, weight loss or potential complications on work, hobbies, personal life or activities that are important to you. You will be sent information before this meeting to go through in your own time and sign online forms to make sure that you fully understand before you commit to surgery. You can withdraw consent, cancel or postpone the operation at any time with no pressure from us.

Bariatric surgery carries risks but also has huge benefits. At Verve we are committed to giving you the best information possible, in a way that you can understand, to help with your decision making. It is important that you are completely ready and do this at the right time for you.