Surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass, have benefited many people who want to lose weight. Along with the benefits, however, there is also the risk of suffering gastric bypass surgery complications. These could impact an individual’s quality of life significantly.
If you believe medical negligence contributed to your injuries, you should speak with a Lorain County medical malpractice attorney about the possibility of filing a claim. A claim not only can hold the negligent party liable, but also can help you recover your financial, physical and emotional losses.
Common Gastric Bypass Surgery Complications
With any type of surgery, there are inherent risks involved. These risks may be elevated, however, with gastric bypass.
Some of the common complications that patients have experienced with gastric bypass surgery include:
- incision infection;
- irregular blood sugar levels;
- abdominal hernia;
- anemia;
- staple line breakdown;
- gallstones;
- osteoporosis;
- blood clots;
- ulcers; and
- leakage into abdominal cavity.
Another complication is known as “dumping syndrome” and is the result of the contents in the stomach moving too fast through the small intestine. This causes the contents to be dumped, with symptoms including fainting and nausea.
The stomach outlet, as it begins to return to a larger size, can also become stretched. Or the bypassed stomach can increase, leading to bloating. While these aren’t life-threatening complications, they can be very uncomfortable.
Stomal stenosis is another gastric bypass surgery complication. If the connection between the intestines and stomach is too narrow, it can lead to nausea and vomiting after the patient eats. Malnutrition deficiencies are also common.
Some patients who suffer from gastric bypass surgery complications have to undergo additional surgery. This increases the risk of developing further problems. In the most severe cases, some patients die as a result of complications from their surgery.
Liability Stemming from Gastric Bypass Surgery Complications
You may wonder who can be held liable if you suffered complications after undergoing gastric bypass surgery. The surgeon could be found medically negligent if the procedure was done incorrectly, if there was a failure to properly monitor the patient, or if there was any other breach in his or her duty of care.
If a doctor failed to warn you of the risks adequately, and you might not have undergone the procedure knowing them, you could also hold the doctor liable if it results in injuries. To learn what your rights are, it is best to speak immediately with a Lorain County medical malpractice attorney.
Compensation that addresses the cost of your medical expenses including the surgery, hospital and doctor visits may be available. If you face additional surgery, these costs may be recoverable as well.
In addition, if you were out of work for a period of time, your lost income may be recoverable. Other damages may include pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, and more. The best way to learn what legal options may be available after sustaining serious gastric bypass surgery complications is to consult with a Lorain County medical malpractice attorney at (440) 252-4399.