Weight Loss Surgery Linked to Gastrointestinal Complaints

20 Dec 2016 --- A new study has found that patients who undergo weight loss surgery often complain of gastrointestinal problems after. Laparoscopic gastric bypass is an effective treatment for obesity, but may be the route of the issues.

The study looked at 249 obese patients who underwent the surgery, and 295 obese controls. Scientists gave each of the participants a questionnaire to complete.

Surgical patients completed the questionnaire two years after surgery.

It was found that the surgical patients often experienced indigestion and food intolerance, especially for red meat and food with a high fat or sugar content.

Food intolerance for specific products was reported by 70.7 per cent of postoperative patients compared with 16.9 percent of controls.

“Most studies in weight loss surgery focus on the short-term effects of surgery, and there was limited knowledge about the effect of a gastric bypass on gastrointestinal complaints in the long term,” said Dr. Thomas Boerlage, lead author of the British Journal of Surgery study.

“With this study, physicians can better counsel their patients, both before and after surgery. It also helps patients considering a gastric bypass to make a more well-thought decision.”