Repeat obesity surgery poses health risk

Weight loss surgery has become an increasingly popular means of overcoming severe obesity. This has especially been true in the past decade, during which hospitals in the UK have seen an eight-fold rise in weight-loss operations. In some cases repeat surgery is required; however, as the authors of a new study warn, this can carry serious risks.

They looked at 56 patients who had undergone repeat bariatric operations between 1995 and 2008. The fundamental reasons behind the second procedure, was most commonly a lack of satisfaction with initial results. Nutritional complications and adverse side effects were also a factor. Although none died, 19% had serious complications in the months after the surgery, with internal leaking, kidney failure and pneumonia reported. Even more reported later complications: a total of 23% of patients reported problems such as hernia at the site of the incision after 90 days.

Overall, the researchers concluded that it is “very likely those revision rates of both failed operations of the past and currently popular procedures will increase considerably in the near future." They recommended caution be exercised by doctors when choosing who may be suitable for repeat procedures.

Adding some positivity to the report, the researchers did concede that repeat bariatric surgery could have benefits. In some of the cases they reported on, the revisionary surgery led to an average weight loss of almost 69% excess weight loss.

Bariatric surgery is used to help people who are morbidly obese. The average recommended BMI is between 18.5 and 25. For people who are seeking to regain a normal weight, exercise and improving your diet are the first and best steps, while products such as Xenical are found by many to be a useful slimming aid.