We wish to emphasize to our patients that all bariatric surgery operations are major procedures and can have serious risks. The national average mortality rate for bariatric surgery is 0.5%. Although rare, major early complications include bleeding and leakage of intestinal contents causing infection and requiring additional surgery, as well as blood clots amongst others. Wound complications, infections, and hernias can occur. Additionally, there is a small risk of malnutrition and vitamin deficiency. This list is far from exhaustive. While most of these issues rarely arise, the major point is that these procedures should only be done when necessary and by surgeons who have experience in this area. Watch Video