Riley's Story: The Bariatric Surgery Risks Nobody Talks About

Send us Fan MailRiley's doctor recommended bariatric surgery as the solution to their health concerns, but when Riley came to me for advice, I realized they hadn't been told about the real risks. From anastomosis leaks with 15% mortality rates to spontaneous bowel perforations years later, the complications of weight loss surgery extend far beyond what most patients are counseled about. In this episode, I walk through the evidence-based risks that every patient deserves to know before making this life-altering decision, because informed consent requires the whole truth. If you or someone you know is considering weight loss surgery, then be sure to send them a link to this episode!References:Lim, Robert et al. “Early and late complications of bariatric operation.” Trauma surgery & acute care open vol. 3,1 e000219. 9 Oct. 2018Silva, Ana Flávia da et al. “Risk factors for the development of surgical site infection in bariatric surgery: an integrative review of literature.” Revista latino-americana de enfermagem vol. 31 (2023)Complications of bariatric surgery: presentation and emergency management--a review.” Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England vol. 91,4 (2009): 280-6.Benotti, Peter et al. “Risk factors associated with mortality after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.” Annals of surgery vol. 259,1 (2014): 123-30. Coupaye, Muriel et al. “Evaluation of incidence of cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery in subjects treated or not treated with ursodeoxycholic acid.” Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery vol. 13,4 (2017): 681-685 Husain, Syed et al. “Small-bowel obstruction after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: etiology, diagnosis, and management.” Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) vol. 142,10 (2007): 988-93 Seeras K, Acho RJ, Lopez PP. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Chronic Complications. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519489/Got a question for the next podcast? Let me know!Connect With MeBUY THE BOOK: Never suffer through another through another weight loss lecture from your doctor againJOIN THE NO WEIGH MOVEMENT: Get a free script when you sign upTHE WEIGHTING ROOM: Community with a neurodivergent flavour. **BOOK CLUB** exclusive to Weighting Room members. BOOK A CONSULTATION: For the ultimate transformation in your healthcare journeyEXPLORE THE MASTERCLASS LIBRARY: Become an expert in your condition and the weight inclusive ways to manage itFREE GUIDES:Evidence-based, not diet nonsenseFind me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.