Common and Rare Complications of Bariatric Surgery

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2020 Jun;49(2):329-346. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2020.02.003. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Abstract

As the prevalence of obesity has increased, bariatric surgery has become more common because of its proven efficacy at promoting weight loss and improving weight-related medical comorbidities. Although generally successful, bariatric surgery may also lead to complications and negatively affect health. This article highlights some common and rare complications of bariatric surgery. Specifically, it discusses the risk of nutrient deficiencies (which is influenced by surgery type) and their downstream effects, including ill-effects on bone health. Rarer complications, such as postbypass hypoglycemia and alcohol use disorder, are also discussed.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Complications; Nutritional deficiencies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery* / adverse effects
  • Bariatric Surgery* / statistics & numerical data
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic* / epidemiology
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic* / etiology
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia* / epidemiology
  • Hypoglycemia* / etiology
  • Hypoglycemia* / prevention & control
  • Malnutrition* / epidemiology
  • Malnutrition* / etiology
  • Malnutrition* / prevention & control
  • Nephrolithiasis* / epidemiology
  • Nephrolithiasis* / etiology
  • Nephrolithiasis* / prevention & control
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications* / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / prevention & control