Gastric Sleeve Complications

Gastric sleeve surgery can involve complications similar to other bariatric surgery procedures. Some potential complications have greater risk than others. Read more below about the potential risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery.

Dumping Syndrome

The “Dumping syndrome” which is also associated with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is when the contents of the stomach move too rapidly through the small intestine causing nausea, weakness, fainting, perspiration and sometimes diarrhea. Typically many people are unable to tolerate certain foods, especially those that are high in sugar or fat. These foods are often linked to "dumping syndrome" and avoiding these foods can help lessen or even eliminate the possibility of this side effect. Fortunately, "dumping syndrome" is one of the least dangerous complications in terms of impact on your long term health outlook.

Stomach Leaking

In some instances a patient can experience internal leakage post surgery. This is due to improper sealing and can lead to serious infections. This is something that is monitored very closely, especially immediately after the surgery has been completed. The fix for internal leaking is additional surgery to correct the issue.

Stomach Stretching

One of the more common complications related to the gastric sleeve is stomach stretching. After the surgery your stomach will be much smaller due to a large portion having been removed. You should watch the size of your meal portions because if you don't you can, and very likely will, stretch the size of your stomach. This will have a cyclical affect causing you to take longer to feel full and negating the effect of the surgery.