Bariatric surgery has helped hundreds of thousands of people take control of their health and improve their quality of life. For individuals struggling with obesity, procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy can lead to significant, long-term weight loss and reduced risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. In fact, studies show that patients can lose 60–80% of excess body weight within the first year after surgery.
But like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery carries risks. When something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious, and in some cases, preventable. At Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP, in Augusta, GA, we help patients understand when complications may be the result of medical malpractice.
Understanding the Risks
Bariatric surgery is generally considered safe, with mortality rates below 0.3%. However, complications still occur. Research indicates that up to 10–17% of patients experience some form of complication, ranging from mild to severe.
Common complications include:
- Infections at the surgical site
- Internal bleeding
- Blood clots
- Leaks in the gastrointestinal tract
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Bowel obstruction
Some of these risks are known and can occur even when a procedure is performed correctly. However, others may be linked to errors or negligence.
When Complications May Be Malpractice
Not every complication is grounds for a legal claim. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure directly causes harm.
In bariatric surgery cases, malpractice can happen at several stages:
Before Surgery
Proper patient evaluation is critical. Surgeons and medical teams are expected to review medical history, assess risks, and determine whether a patient is a good candidate.
Potential errors may include:
- Failing to identify underlying health conditions
- Inadequate pre-operative testing
- Not providing proper informed consent about risks
If a patient undergoes surgery without a full understanding of the risks or without proper screening, serious complications may follow.
During Surgery
Surgical precision is essential in bariatric procedures. Mistakes in the operating room can have immediate and severe consequences.
Examples of surgical errors include:
- Incorrectly performing the procedure
- Damaging surrounding organs or tissue
- Improperly sealing or connecting parts of the digestive system
- Anesthesia-related errors
These mistakes can lead to life-threatening complications such as internal leaks or severe infections.
After Surgery
Post-operative care is just as important as the procedure itself. Patients require monitoring, follow-up care, and clear instructions for recovery.
Negligence after surgery may involve:
- Failing to recognize signs of complications
- Delayed diagnosis of infections or leaks
- Inadequate follow-up care or support
- Poor communication about warning signs
Delayed treatment can significantly worsen outcomes and increase the risk of long-term harm.
The Real Impact of Surgical Errors
When bariatric surgery complications are caused by negligence, the impact can be life-changing. Patients may face additional surgeries, extended hospital stays, chronic health issues, or permanent damage.
Beyond the physical toll, there are often emotional and financial burdens, including lost income and ongoing medical expenses.
When to Call a Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a loved one experienced severe complications after bariatric surgery, it’s important to ask whether those complications were preventable.
You may want to speak with a medical malpractice attorney if:
- Your condition worsened due to delayed treatment
- You were not properly informed of the risks
- You required additional surgeries due to errors
- You suspect mistakes were made before, during, or after the procedure
An experienced legal team can review medical records, consult with experts, and determine whether negligence played a role.
Get the Guidance You Need
Bariatric surgery can be life-changing in the best way, but when preventable errors occur, patients deserve answers and accountability. At Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP, in Augusta, GA, we are committed to helping clients navigate complex medical malpractice claims with clarity and care.
If something doesn’t feel right about your surgical outcome, it may be time to take a closer look. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your health, your future, and your peace of mind. Call our office in Augusta to schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim.
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