Weight loss surgery is not without risk, however the degree of risk is not to the extent as may be portrayed in the lay media/press. Before deciding to undergo weight loss surgery it is important to understand the types of risks involved and when those risks become more significant. It is also important to understand the risks in terms of their actual likelihood of occurrence as outlined in scientific studies. The longer one has been obese the more likely there are associated co-morbidities that could result in a higher rate of complications. The more health problems one has accumulated, the more likely it is to have a complication related to weight loss surgery. The older one is, the more likely it is to have a complication related to weight loss surgery. The more obese one is, the more likely it is to have complications related to weight loss surgery. I was once told by a colleague and friend and well respected bariatric surgeon that it is those people that are the most sick as a result of their obesity that need weight loss surgery the most. That may be true, but the risk of complications also rises in that category of people and it is important to understand the risks involved before deciding to undergo weight loss surgery. The following is a list of the most significant risks and their frequency in relation to weight loss surgery. These statistics are averages, and an individuals risk may be less or more dependent on their individual health status and other factors as mentioned above:

	Death		0.5%
	Cardiac Problems
	Heart Attack		extremely rare
	Sudden Cardiac Death		8X the risk of the general population
	Lung Problems		variable depending on pre-existing lung conditions and mobility after the operation
	Blood Clots		5 %
	Leaks		1%, requires re-operation
	Spleen injury		1%
	Marginal Ulcer		< 1%, treatable with antacids, in worse form may require re-operation
	Stricture		1- 5%, treatable with balloon dilatation or may require re-operation
	Wound Infection		1 á°¥, depends on the size of incision and length of operation
	Hernia		0 áµ¥
	Intestinal Obstruction		1%, may require operation
	Malnutrition		0 ã°¥, depends on type of operation and adherence to dietary regimens
	Dumping syndrome		variable, depends on operation and adherence to dietary regimens
	Hair Loss		variable
	Excess gas		variable