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Post-sleeve gastrectomy symptoms: Pay attention to them
Approximately 20% of individuals who undergo gastric sleeve surgery experience a range of complications, varying in severity from mild to severe, some of which require medical attention. In the following article, we will mention the symptoms of post-sleeve gastrectomy complications that should be carefully monitored and discussed with a doctor if they occur. (2)
What are the post-sleeve gastrectomy symptoms that require attention?
Gastric sleeve surgery is risky due to the removal of a significant portion of one of the vital organs in the body. Hence, it is necessary to monitor the symptoms and signs that appear and seek medical care if the following symptoms occur: (3)
Symptoms that require emergency medical care
It is essential to contact emergency services if the following symptoms occur after gastric sleeve surgery: (4)
- Loss of consciousness.
- Feeling severe difficulty or tightness in breathing.
Symptoms that require contacting the doctor
Contact your doctor immediately if: (4)(2)
- You have severe pain that does not improve after taking prescribed pain medicine.
- You cannot pass stool or even gas.
- You cannot drink fluids.
- Your incision comes open.
- You have been throwing up for 12 hours.
- You have signs of blood clotting, including severe pain in the calf, thigh, behind the thigh, or the knee, redness, and swelling of the groin or leg.
- You have signs of wound infection, including:
- Increased pain sensation.
- Swelling, warmth, or redness in the surgical incision area.
- Fever.
- Pus is draining from the surgical incision.
What are the post-sleeve gastrectomy symptoms that do not require concern?
You may experience a range of symptoms that do not require worry; they are considered normal and occur due to rapid weight loss in the first 3 – 6 months after gastric sleeve surgery. The most prominent of these symptoms are: (3)(1)
- General body aches.
- Persistent feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
- Dry skin.
- Feeling cold.
- Hair thinning and loss.
- Mood changes.
What are the complications of sleeve gastrectomy?
Now we will clarify some potential complications that may arise after the sleeve gastrectomy and their symptoms:
Delayed Leak
Also called a suture line leak, this is one of the most severe complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery, where leakage occurs from the stapled edge of the stomach. Although it is a common problem immediately after the surgery (the surgeon examines the surgical site during and after the procedure), the stomach contents can leak from the stitched area months or even years later. (2)
A delayed leak is rare and may require hospital admission or additional surgery. Therefore, pay close attention to the following symptoms and consult a doctor if they appear: (5)(6)
- Tachycardia (above 120 beats per minute).
- Shortness of breath or tachypnea (more than 18 breaths per minute).
- Worsening abdominal pain.
- Dizziness.
- Fever.
- Low blood pressure.
- Decreased urine output.
- Left chest or shoulder pain.
- Abdominal distention.
- Elevated white blood cell count in the body.
- Peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum).
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a severe complication associated with gastric sleeve surgery and can occur several years after the procedure. Consuming a small amount of food may result in an insufficient intake of essential nutrients (vitamins and minerals) for the body. Additionally, experiencing nausea and diarrhea after the surgery can affect nutrient absorption, impacting overall health and the functioning of vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, etc. (2)
Therefore, it is essential to continuously monitor vitamin and mineral levels and the functioning of vital organs to prescribe necessary supplements in the appropriate doses and avoid more serious future problems.
Other complications:
It is possible to experience the following complications after gastric sleeve surgery: (2)(1)
- Stomach obstruction.
- Formation of gallstones.
- Abdominal adhesions (Scarring).
- Incisional hernia.
- Spleen abscess.
Hence, do not hesitate to visit any branch of Al-Borg Diagnostics to perform Bariatric Package (Post-Operation). This will monitor the functioning of vital organs, as well as vitamin and mineral levels, with precision.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sleeve-gastrectomy/about/pac-20385183
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/long-term-complications-after-gastric-sleeve-surgery-4158320
- https://www.bassmedicalgroup.com/blog-post/gastric-sleeve-surgery-risks-complications-and-side-effects
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abk3541
- https://www.bassmedicalgroup.com/bariatric-blog-posts/gastric-sleeve-leak-know-the-signs-and-symptoms
- https://www.limarp.com/en/gastric-sleeve-leak-symptoms/
