Close

Gastric Bypass Malpractice

Over the years, the number of gastric bypass surgeries has skyrocketed in the United States. The surgery, widely known as gastric bypass, is one that helps people lose weight by changing the way the stomach and small intestine digest food. After a gastric bypass, the stomach area itself is made smaller. Persons who undergo this procedure would feel fuller in eating less food. As a result, food ingested will no longer travel to parts of the stomach and small intestine that break down food. Thus, the body will not absorb all the calories from food eaten.

Gastric bypass surgery involves two basic steps. The first step is to make the stomach smaller. This is done when the surgeon uses staples to divide the stomach into a smaller upper section and larger bottom portion. The top section of the stomach called the pouch is where food first travels. The second step in a gastric bypass surgery is the bypass. The surgeon will connect a small part of the small intestine to a small hole in the pouch. With the bypass, food eaten will travel from the pouch into the new opening in the small intestine. The goal then being that the body will absorb fewer calories. Some gastric bypass surgeries are done with a large surgical cut to open the abdomen.

Another method and less evasive process are with the use of a laparoscope where a tiny camera, the laparoscope, is used in the surgery called laparoscopy. The laparoscopy is less evasive than the surgery that opens up the belly to decrease the size of the stomach and do the bypass whereas the laparoscopy involves a much shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and results in a smaller scar and lower risk of a hernia or infection. These surgeries last between 2 and 4 hours.

Like many things, because of the great number of gastric bypass surgeries also known as bariatric surgeries, complications do arise. The most common complications in gastric bypass surgeries are infection, hernia from the incision, blood clots in the lungs and internal leaking or peritonitis which is where the surgeon has not completely closed the incisions. This can cause sepsis and even death if not acted on quickly to repair and close the leak.

The occurrence of post-surgical problems in gastric bypass surgeries occurs more often in older patients with the most problems occurring to patients of 65-years of age and older.

More than 9,000 U.S. citizens are considered morbidly obese. Obesity is considered an epidemic the U.S. and has led to a sharp increase in the number of these gastric bypass surgeries. More than 175,000 surgeries were done in 2006 alone. It has been noted that in as many as 40% of gastric bypass patients have developed complications within 6 months of surgery.

In addition to the complications of hernia and infection, the following complications are also common:

  • Respiratory failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Gallstones
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Pulmonary emboli

Many gastric bypass patients are simply not advised of the full range of risks that are possible with this type of surgery. Some patients are ill-advised about instructions on post-surgery care.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a gastric bypass surgery, please call us for an immediate free consultation. Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois medical malpractice cases for more than 40 years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling gastric bypass cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online. There is no charge for a consultation that will include an evaluation of your case.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
“We were devastated when our 31 year-old son was killed by a negligent driver. Kreisman Law Offices did everything to help us through this very difficult time, including coming out to the house several times which was a comfort. My wife and I were extremely pleased with Mr. Kreisman’s compassion and care for this very tragic and troubling time.” C.B.
★★★★★
“Bob Kreisman did everything possible in handling the trial of this case. It was devastating that I traumatically lost my leg above the knee in this truck accident. However, it was not an easy case to win. His staff was so prepared for the trial that it was not surprising that the settlement offers continued to rise until we finally accepted the multi-million settlement while the jury was still deciding the case. My wife and I were delighted that we could secure our future with this settlement. We thank Mr. Kreisman and his incredible staff for working so hard for our benefit.” T.P.
★★★★★
“My mother died because doctors dropped the ball. I called Robert Kreisman and he immediately set up an appointment for my entire family. We met at his offices and I was very comfortable that he would do the best for my dad and my brothers. He spent hours with all of us in preparing for depositions and he hired top notch experts, all of which contributed to an incredible settlement before trial. I know that he is dedicated to his cases and particularly to the people he works for and the people who work with him. He continues to be generous in contributing annually to my mother’s memory and to make known to the public the signs and symptoms of brain tumors.” V.S.
★★★★★
“My dad was ignored and mistreated at the nursing home that we placed him in. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we made a big mistake, particularly after my dad developed these terrible bedsores. We transferred him as we were contacting Mr. Kreisman. He was referred to us by a lawyer we have known for a long time and respect his opinion. Mr. Kreisman and his staff worked tirelessly to resolve this case. We were fortunate to have his services and will recommend him to anyone.” T.J.
Contact Us