Gastrointestinal and nutritional complications after bariatric surgery.

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity has increased to epidemic proportions, making obesity and its comorbid conditions a major public health concern. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment, but it carries substantial morbidity. The subsequent gastrointestinal and nutritional complications are often not recognized or properly managed. As part of the multidisciplinary team taking care of obese patients, gastroenterologists should be familiar with the types of bariatric surgery and their associated complications. We review the most common gastrointestinal and nutritional complications after bariatric procedures and examine how gastroenterologists may best prevent, investigate, and treat them.