Louisville Bariatric Surgery Error Attorney
Since its invention in the 1960s, the popularity and precision of gastric bypass surgery have exploded in the United States. In fact, in 2013, an estimated 179,000 people in America underwent bariatric surgery (any surgery related to weight loss).
The reason for this great number of surgeries is simple: One in three Americans are now overweight, and gastric bypass surgery is proven not only to help patients lose excess weight, but also to change their attitudes toward eating, food, and diet. Bariatric surgery can help restore health, activity, confidence, and self-esteem to patients, improving their overall quality of life.
However, like any other major surgery, gastric bypass surgery carries with it some potentially serious risks and complications. In fact, many gastric bypass patients have to face other surgeries to repair or correct problems that developed from the first surgery. Sadly, one to two percent of patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery die from the procedure, or complications that subsequently develop. While some of these complications are not preventable, others are the result of negligence.
At Gladstein Law Firm, we understand why people need gastric bypass surgery to improve their health and their lives. We also understand that these patients deserve safe surgeries and competent aftercare that increases their chances of a full recovery and a healthy future. If you or a loved one suffered a preventable complication related to bariatric surgery, or if you believe that the surgery or aftercare was complicated by a doctor or hospital negligence, we want to hear from you.
Contact Gladstein Law Firm today online
or by calling 502-791-9000.
Possible Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery
All procedures carry risks and complications, and your doctor will review these risks in detail before your surgery. However, it is vital to understand that while some complications of bariatric surgery are not preventable, others should have never taken place under a reasonable standard of care.
Some of the common complications of gastric bypass surgery include:
- Dumping syndrome, which is when the contents of the stomach pass through the digestive tract too quickly into the small intestine. The symptoms of dumping are fainting, vomiting, and nausea.
- Complications from surgery, which can occur because gastric bypass patients have a greater tendency to develop hernias, staple line breakdown, and infections. In addition, patients often experience vomiting, bloating, hiccups, and nausea because the stomach may increase in size after the surgery.
- Instability of blood sugar, which can cause dangerous swings in glucose levels.
- Malnutrition, which can occur after gastric bypass surgery because it can be difficult for the body to absorb minerals, vitamins, and proteins. This results in many patients suffering from postoperative malnutrition, sometimes even in spite of taking supplements after the surgery.
- Osteoporosis, which can occur because not enough calcium is absorbed into the body.
- Stomal stenosis, which can occur because the surgery narrows the connection between the stomach and the intestines. If the connection becomes too narrow, patients can experience vomiting and nausea after eating.
- Leakage, in which contents of the stomach can leak into the cavity of the abdomen.
- Pulmonary emboli, which are dangerous blood clots in the lung.
- Ulcers, which can occur within three months of surgery, causing abdominal pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Gallstones.
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Infections.
- Anemia.
Contact Gladstein Law Firm today online
or by calling 502-791-9000.
Other Types of Bariatric Surgeries
It is important to note that there are a number of increasingly common surgeries for weight loss besides gastric bypass surgery. Common bariatric surgeries include:
- Gastric banding surgery (lap band surgery)
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion
- Gastric balloon surgery
- Stomach stapling
- Malabsorptive surgery
- Combination surgeries
All of these surgeries have the potential for medical negligence and malpractice. If you have suffered a serious complication from one of these procedures, speak to an experienced bariatric surgery injury attorney in Kentucky today.
Seth Gladstein – Gastric Bypass Surgery Malpractice Attorney Serving Kentucky Clients
If you have been the victim of gastric bypass surgery negligence in Kentucky or know someone who has, you may wish to speak with a Louisville bariatric surgery malpractice lawyer about your possible claim. At Gladstein Law, the wellbeing and rights of our patients come first and foremost – and we are committed to helping eradicate negligence and malpractice from Kentucky healthcare practices.
We want to hear your story. To schedule a free, private meeting with Seth Gladstein, please call us today at (502) 791-9000 or toll-free at (800) 991-0474. You may also fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you within 24 hours. Don’t let a medical error derail your life. Get legal help today.
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