Most patients are discharged home the second postoperative day. Some will stay an additional night or perhaps two depending on their health issues, especially their mobility, and availability of support at home.

As with any surgical operation there are associated short and long-term complications such as internal bleeding (1%), anastomotic leak (0.5-1%), blood clot in the legs (deep vein thrombosis; DVT) or in the lung (pulmonary embolism), infection, malabsorption of vitamins and micronutrients (which may lead to anaemia, weakness, osteoporosis and neurological problems), internal hernia, anastomotic ulcer, and weight regain. The connection between the stomach pouch and the small intestine is tested at the end of surgery with a blue dye to ensure “no leak”, but until it has fully healed (which takes 4-6 weeks) you should strictly follow the diet advice you will receive on discharge. To prevent clots, we advise that you keep the elastic stockings we give you and to take the low molecular weight heparin injections for few days after leaving the hospital. Physical activity is also encouraged from the first postoperative hours. We routinely close the mesenteric defects created when a gastric bypass is constructed in order to reduce the risk of future internal small bowel herniation and bowel obstruction. However, that risk cannot be eliminated completely (1-5%).
Patients after bypass surgery may develop an ulcer (0.8-1%) at the anastomosis between the stomach pouch and intestine (called “marginal ulcer”). Rarely, an ulcer may bleed or perforate with associated risk to life. It is essential that bypass patients should not smoke after surgery as this is the most important risk factor for developing a marginal ulcer. Patients should also avoid NSAID type drugs (such as brufen, ibuprofen, voltarol, etc.) whenever possible.

The long-term results of this operation, after 10 years, have shown that weight regain can develop in a small percentage of patients. Combination of factors including eating habits, quality of food, alcohol intake, anastomotic stretch and gut adaptation have been linked to weight regain. It is essential therefore to adopt a new life style and carry it on for a durable weight loss.