While it is common to find studies looking at the gastric bypass complication rate in the 30 days following surgery a recent study has extended this period out to 6 months and its findings make very interesting reading. The study also contains some interesting figures on the cost of gastric bypass surgery.
Gastric bypass surgery (otherwise referred to as bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery) is helping many thousands of morbidly obese individuals to reduce their risk from diabetes and other life-threatening conditions and to regain much of their former lifestyle. Complications from gastric bypass surgery are however significant and need to be taken into consideration before electing surgery.
Numerous studies have been carried out into gastric bypass complication rates in the short-term and these normally follow the progress of patients for up to 30 days after surgery. A more recent study however (examining claims for both hospital and outpatient care for more than 5 million individuals enrolled in employer sponsored health plans covering 49 states and including in excess of 2,500 weight loss patients) has extended the findings of previous studies to look in depth at complications arising up to 6 months after surgery.
According to the study death occurred during, or in the 6 months following, surgery in only 0.2% of patients and the most common complications were dumping syndrome (reflux, vomiting and diarrhea) which happened in 20% of cases, anastomosis problems (such as leakage or stricture arising at the site of the join between the stomach and the intestine) which happened in 12% of cases, abdominal hernias in 7% of cases, infections in 6% of cases and pneumonia which happened in 4% of patients.
The study also found that just over 10% or patients who got through the first 30 days without complication went on to experience a problem in the following 5 months. In the majority of cases these problems were dumping, anastomosis problems, abdominal hernia, and marginal ulcers. In addition, although just under 5% of patients had to be re-admitted during the 30 day period, this figure climbed to a little over 7% when looking at the longer 6 month timeframe.
The cost of gastric bypass surgery was also affected considerably by complications and, while patients experiencing surgery without complication paid an average of just over $25,000, complications within the 6 month post-surgical period pushed this figure up to just over $36,500. In cases where patients had to be re-admitted to hospital because of gastric bypass complications the cost rose to a little over $65,000.
Gastric bypass surgery is very much the start of the weight loss process and, unlike many forms of surgery which cure the problem more or less on the spot, the results of weight loss surgery take time to show. It is not surprising therefore that problems will arise after surgery and gastric bypass complications must be considered carefully before you make the decision to embark on this particular journey.
Successful Golf Practice Is An Art That Novice Golfers Need To Master
A key feature of every successful golfer's routine is practice but far too many novice golfers simply do not know what to practice or how to go about it.
Golfing Tips - Setting Yourself Up For The Masterful Pitch Shot
The pitch shot, as well as its variations such as the pitch and run or bump and run shot, is an extremely important shot and one that you must learn to master if you wish to be able to play a good short game.
If You Are Not Happy Playing Golf When The Wind Is Blowing Then Please Read On
If you run for the protection of the clubhouse when the wind picks up and the rain begins then there is an alternative which you just might find is great fun.
