Risks and Advantages of Bariatric Surgery in Atlanta
Bariatric surgeries such as the gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and lap band are common in Atlanta, as they offer many potential benefits to patients struggling with their weight. However, like any surgery, these types of procedures come with risks.
At Warshauer Woodward Atkins, our attorneys handle many cases related to weight-loss surgery complications. Reach out to one of our seasoned lawyers to discuss some of the risks and advantages of bariatric surgery in Atlanta.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgeries do not just help people lose weight. These procedures are often recommended to patients who are at risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, and stroke.
Medical providers typically advocate for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, as it is the procedure surgeons are most familiar with and is considered by some to be the “gold standard” for weight loss surgery. This surgery specifically has been known to offer many short-term and long-term benefits, but no bariatric surgery is free from risk.
Potential Risks Associated with Weight-Loss Procedures in Atlanta
Bariatric procedures are major surgeries that involve rerouting the patient’s digestive system. Consequently, these procedures have the potential to lead to many gastrointestinal issues, including leaks, infections, bowel obstruction, and dumping syndrome. Some of the most severe side effects of bariatric surgery can be fatal.
The risks associated with weight-loss surgeries increase dramatically when a medical provider commits an error. Anyone who has experienced complications and significant injuries as a result of a bariatric procedure should get legal help as soon as possible. Working with a lawyer familiar with these risks can prove beneficial in a weight-loss surgery malpractice claim.
Steps to Take After Experiencing a Complication
After experiencing a complication related to bariatric surgery, patients should seek medical treatment immediately. Waiting to reach out to a medical professional could hurt the patient’s chances of making a full recovery.
Once the individual is in a stable condition, the next step should be contacting an experienced attorney. A lawyer could meet with the injured patient to discuss what happened and determine whether there is a potential case there to investigate.
If the lawyer does believe there is a valid legal case, he or she could help the patient gather evidence, including the surgeon’s office records, the medical facility’s records, and the patient’s medical records. A dedicated attorney could then review and analyze that evidence to determine the potential cause of the patient’s injury.
Next, a legal professional could reach out to a medical expert in the field to provide the required expert witness affidavit. Because there are so many complicated steps involved in the legal process, it is generally best to obtain a lawyer after experiencing a complication of bariatric surgery.
Call Us to Learn About the Risks and Advantages of Bariatric Surgery in Atlanta
Though bariatric surgeries have changed many patients’ lives for the better, there are inherent risks associated with these procedures. While not all complications will warrant a lawsuit, a seasoned lawyer from our firm could help you determine whether a medical error led to your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and speak with an attorney about the risks and advantages of bariatric surgery in Atlanta.