Bariatric surgery is the only proven technique to achieve long-term weight loss and, as a result, is one of the fastest growing surgical techniques being practiced today. Although weight loss surgery provides many health benefits, it is not risk-free and some patients experience complications.

These complications result from either patient non-compliance or a mechanical failure of the bariatric surgical procedure itself. Julio Teixeira, MD, director of the Weight Loss Surgery Center at St. Lukeâ s and Roosevelt Hospitals, is committed to safety as his top priority and places particular emphasis on the prevention of complications during surgery. For example, during each procedure Dr. Teixeira proactively closes open pockets in the abdomen to prevent bowel from getting trapped and causing herniation, one of the major post-surgical complications that can arise. St. Lukeâ s Hospital presented a live Webcast of Dr.Teixeiraâ s laparoscopic procedure on February 13, 2006

If you’re very overweight and can’t lose pounds with a healthy diet and exercise, surgery might be an option for you. The surgery is usually for men who are at least 100 pounds overweight and women who are at least 80 pounds overweight. If you are somewhat less overweight, surgery still might be an option if you also have diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea.

Weight loss surgery limits the amount of food you can take in. Some operations also restrict the amount of food you can digest. Many people who have the surgery lose weight quickly. If you follow diet and exercise recommendations, you can keep most of the weight off. The surgery has risks and complications, however, including infections, hernias and blood clots.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases