The belief that “there is a high risk of death for people who undergo obesity surgery” is one of the commonly misunderstood facts.
Current scientific data shows that the risks of sleeve gastrectomy are almost equal to those of gallbladder surgery. In both surgeries, the risk of death is approximately 1 in 1,000.
When Do Risks Increase?
- In centers with high surgical experience, this risk is extremely low.
• The main factor that increases the risk is usually obesity itself.
For example, an obese patient undergoing a simple appendectomy has a higher risk than a patient of normal weight undergoing the same procedure.
Possible Risks Include:
- Anesthesia-related complications
• Risk of bleeding
• Stomach leakage
• Embolism (blood clot) risk
However, all these risks can be minimized with an experienced team and proper patient preparation.
The Biggest Risk That Should Not Be Overlooked:
The risk of not treating obesity is far greater than the risks of surgery.
Health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, and sleep apnea are serious life-threatening conditions caused by untreated obesity.
How Can Risks Be Reduced?
To minimize the risks of obesity surgeries, the patient, doctor, and team should be well-prepared. Here are the preventive measures:
✅ Choose an experienced center and surgeon
The experience of the team performing the surgery is the most important factor in reducing risks.
✅ Undergo detailed screening before surgery
Procedures such as gastroscopy, blood tests, and respiratory and heart checks should not be neglected. These preparations help identify any hidden problems in advance.
✅ Target weight loss before surgery
Losing a few kilograms under the guidance of a surgeon and dietitian can help shrink the liver, making the surgery easier.
✅ Strictly adhere to post-surgery rules
A nutrition plan, physical activities like walking, and regular doctor check-ups help ensure a smooth recovery.
✅ Quit smoking
Smoking delays recovery and increases the risk of embolism. It should be quit before surgery.
