Gastric Sleeve Plication Side Effects

Possible Long-Term Complications from Gastric Sleeve Plication Surgery

Major long-term complications from surgery can include infection, internal bleeding, and - in the longer term - malnutrition. Most surgeries are successful and safe, but possible complications such as the following can occur:

• Damage to organs or blood vessels
• Leaks from the stitches that create stomach folds
• Separation of the stomach folds

The latter two problems require revision surgery to correct. What patients should remember is that they should remain optimistic as weight loss takes time and commitment. It's not a quick fix but a long-term solution. Generally, gastric plication produces slower results than other types of bariatric surgery. At the same point, though, patients won't experience severe complications that other types of weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass, can produce. Because gastric plication surgery does not alter the intestines, there is less chance of patients experiencing nutritional deficiencies that can occur with gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or other surgeries that decrease the absorption of nutrients through the small intestines.

Compared to other bariatric surgeries, short-term weight loss with this surgery is generally more modest. One side effect of this can be a feeling of discouragement. Patients must remain optimistic and patient, as weight loss takes time and commitment.