Sleeve Surgery Risks and Complications (A Review of Short- and Long-Term Risks)

effects. Fortunately, most of these are minor, temporary, and manageable, and should not cause major concern. If the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon and the patient follows all instructions carefully, even these minor complications are minimized. However, entrusting the procedure to an inexperienced or unqualified surgeon may increase the risk of both typical and serious complications.

In this article, we will explore sleeve surgery risks and complications, from minor to the most serious

Sleeve Surgery Risks at a Glance

Category	Type of Complication	Description	Prevention/Treatment
Common Short-Term	Nausea, Vomiting	Often due to general anesthesia	Prescription medications, rest
	Mild Fever	Normal body response after surgery	Medical monitoring, hydration
	Incision Pain	Normal after surgery	Prescribed painkillers
	Hair Loss (Temporary)	Caused by rapid weight loss and nutrient deficiencies	Supplements, adequate protein intake
Surgery-Related	Staple Line Leak	Dangerous; requires immediate attention	Experienced surgeon, close post-op monitoring
	Bleeding from Staple Line	Occurs in <1% of cases	May require revision surgery
	Hiatal Hernia	Part of the stomach moves into the chest	Often improves with weight loss
Long-Term	Malnutrition	Reduced absorption of vitamins and minerals	Regular supplements as prescribed
	Skin Sagging	Caused by rapid and significant weight loss	Exercise, cosmetic surgery (e.g., abdominoplasty)
Very Rare	Death	<0.3%	Experienced surgeon and equipped center, follow instructions

Every Surgery Has Potential Complications

Before discussing the specific risks of sleeve surgery, it’s important to note that all surgeries, from minimally invasive to highly complex procedures, carry potential complications.

“Potential complications” means that some problems may occur, but they are not guaranteed. For example, a possible complication of rhinoplasty is damage to olfactory sensors—but most patients do not experience this.

The same principle applies to sleeve surgery risks and complications. When a list of potential complications is given, it represents probabilities, not certainties. Many patients may experience none or only minor issues.

How to Minimize Sleeve Surgery Complications

If you approach surgery fully prepared:

• Adopt a healthier lifestyle before surgery
• Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions
• Choose an experienced surgeon in a fully equipped hospital

Following your surgeon’s recovery guidelines significantly reduces the likelihood of complications.

Global and Local Statistics of Sleeve Surgery Complications

The global complication rate for sleeve gastrectomy is approximately 10%, with mortality less than 0.3%. That means roughly 10% of patients may experience minor to moderate complications, while fewer than half a percent face life-threatening issues.

For reference, Dr. Taha Anbara has performed over 15,000 bariatric surgeries with very low complication rates.

Common Sleeve Surgery Risks

Typical complications that are considered normal and usually resolve quickly include:

• Anesthesia-related issues: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache
• Fever
• Infection (controlled with medication)
• Pain (managed with analgesics)
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss (temporary)
• Reduced absorption of certain nutrients (managed with supplements)

Risks When Choosing an Inexperienced Surgeon or Ignoring Guidelines

Some complications may arise due to poor surgical technique or low-quality materials:

Staple Line Leak

After removing part of the stomach, the remaining portion is stapled. Improper technique or substandard staples may cause leaks, leading to peritonitis, infection, or abscess. Immediate medical attention is critical.

Staple Line Bleeding

A rare complication (<1%), sometimes controlled non-surgically. In some cases, a minor laparoscopic revision may be required to remove accumulated blood.

Hiatal Hernia

Occurs when part of the stomach slides into the chest. Common in obese patients, often diagnosed with endoscopy. Weight loss usually improves symptoms like heartburn or reflux.

Skin Sagging

Significant rapid weight loss may cause loose skin. Factors affecting this include age, exercise, weight loss speed, and skin elasticity. Cosmetic surgery (e.g., abdominoplasty) can correct this.

How to Prevent Sleeve Surgery Complications

1. Follow Your Post-Operative Diet

The post-sleeve diet progresses in stages: clear liquids → pureed foods → soft foods → solid foods. Consult a nutritionist or use apps like Sira to ensure a proper diet.

2. Protect Your Incisions

• Avoid showers for the first 48 hours
• Avoid bathtubs, pools, or jacuzzis for 4 weeks
  Neglecting incision care may lead to infection, bleeding, or poor scarring.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

• Gradually increase physical activity (even 10 minutes walking daily)
• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy foods
• Avoid smoking and alcohol

These measures collectively reduce the risk of sleeve surgery risks and complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeve Surgery Risks