Bariatric Surgery

About bariatric surgery: Benefits and risks

What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?

The most important benefits of bariatric surgery are weight loss, better health, and better quality of life. Other benefits of bariatric surgery may include:

losing more weight than other treatments alone
having closer to normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure
being able to breathe more easily
being able to move better and be more active
having better fertility and pregnancy outcomes (meaning you’re more likely to get pregnant, stay pregnant, or get someone pregnant and be able to have children)
having a lower risk of death from heart disease and some types of cancer

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

The risks of bariatric surgery include:

feeling sick to your stomach (nausea) or throwing up (vomiting)
having a higher risk for low levels of certain vitamin and minerals
needing plastic surgery to remove extra skin after a lot of weight loss
having changes in your mental health or relationships with friends and family (these changes may make things better or worse)
gaining back some or all of the weight you lost
getting a blood clot, leaks in the intestine, an infection, or even death (in rare cases)

Current as of: October 20, 2021

Author: Primary Health Care – Integration and Innovation, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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