Gastric bypass surgery complications could leave you in a wheel chair
According to a new study, gastric bypass surgery complications could cause permanent neurological damage. Symptoms could include hallucinations, severe weakness or possible paralyzation, resulting in the need for a wheelchair. The problems could begin months or even years after the gatric bypass surgery, and lead to a life-long disability.
Gastric bypass surgery is a drastic procedure which is used to help some obese people lose weight. A study appearing in the current issue of the medical journal Neurology highlights a risk that most doctors have not warned their patients about, which is most likely caused by deficiencies in certain nutrients after the surgery.
Researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Science in Little Rock report that certain nutrients could become depleted during the months or years after gastric bypass surgery. This could result in severe neurological problems. Early signs could include hallucinating and losing the ability to walk. Some are left permanently disabled with spinal cord damage, which can result in falls, coordination problems, severe spasticity, or the need for a wheelchair.
Researchers are recommending that patients who undergo gastric bypass take steps to reduce the risk of complications by taking vitamin and mineral supplements and avoiding rapid weight loss. Once symptoms appear, restoring nutritional deficiencies may help reduce symptoms, but for some the problems are irreversible.
GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY LAWSUITS
In recent years, there have been several gastric bypass surgery lawsuits filed as a result of patients who died from complications during surgery or inexperienced doctors performing the procedure. In January 2005, a study by researchers at the University of Washington found that nearly one out of every 50 people who undergo gatric bypass surgery die within one month. The risk of death could be increased nearly five times in cases where the surgeon is inexperienced performing the procedure. There has also been a risk of a leak following gastric bypass surgery, which could also be fatal.
The new study regarding neurological damage suffered as a result of depleted nutrients may result in future lawsuits since individuals have not been warned of these problems, and most patients are not told to take simple steps which could reduce the risk of injury, including use of vitamin supplements or follow up with medical nutritionists.
If you, a friend or family have suffered a severe injury or death as a result of gastric bypass surgery, request a free legal consultation to review the legal options which may be available.
