Expert Insights in Condition Treated

A gradual loss of kidney function. Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are leading causes, and weight loss surgery can help some patients qualify for a kidney transplant.

A neurological and hematologic deficiency caused by impaired absorption of vitamin B12 — extremely common after gastric bypass, SADI‑S, and duodenal switch.

A trace mineral deficiency that impairs red blood cell production, nerve function, immune health, and connective tissue strength — most common after malabsorptive bariatric procedures.

A trace mineral deficiency that impairs immune function, wound healing, hair growth, taste, and skin integrity — increasingly common after malabsorptive bariatric procedures.

A fat‑soluble vitamin deficiency that impairs vision, immune function, skin health, and mucosal integrity — especially common after duodenal switch (DS) and SADI‑S due to fat malabsorption.

A nutritional deficiency that impairs red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and fetal development — common in bariatric patients and often paired with vitamin B12 deficiency.

A serious nutritional deficiency that impairs nerve function, muscle coordination, and metabolism — and can progress to life‑threatening neurological disease if untreated.

A mineral deficiency that weakens bones and affects nerves and muscles, commonly linked to vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism after bariatric surgery.

A common deficiency that reduces red blood cell production, causing fatigue, weakness and hair loss, especially after gastric bypass, SADI-S and duodenal switch.

A common nutritional deficiency that impairs bone strength, hormone regulation, immune function, and metabolic health — especially prevalent after bariatric surgery.

A progressive loss of bone density that raises fracture risk, often accelerated by calcium and vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and changes after bariatric surgery.

Protein malnutrition occurs when dietary intake or absorption of protein is insufficient, leading to muscle loss, weakness, edema, impaired healing, and metabolic dysfunction.

Chronically high insulin levels that drive hunger, cravings, weight gain and fat storage, and can progress toward insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

GLP‑1 deficiency or resistance occurs when the gut–brain hormone GLP‑1 is low or ineffective, causing increased hunger, poor satiety, impaired glucose control, and difficulty losing weight.

Ghrelin dysregulation occurs when the hunger hormone ghrelin is overproduced or poorly suppressed, causing increased hunger, cravings, difficulty losing weight, and impaired appetite control.

The brain no longer responds properly to leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, leading to more hunger, a slower metabolism, weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

Diabetic gastroparesis is delayed stomach emptying caused by long‑standing diabetes, leading to nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, and difficulty maintaining stable blood glucose levels.

A chronic condition of excess body weight that raises the risk of metabolic disease, hormonal imbalance and long-term complications, often the earliest stage of obesity.

The body does not get or absorb enough protein, vitamins or minerals after bariatric surgery, which can lead to anemia, bone loss, nerve damage, vision changes and severe complications.

Post-bariatric hypoglycemia is low blood sugar one to three hours after eating, most often after gastric bypass. It is driven by an exaggerated insulin response and is usually controlled with diet.

Obesity‑related infertility occurs when excess body weight disrupts hormones, ovulation, sperm quality, and reproductive function—affecting both women and men.

PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder characterized by irregular periods, ovarian cysts, insulin resistance, and weight gain—strongly associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

Dyslipidemia is an imbalance of cholesterol and triglycerides—often driven by obesity and metabolic dysfunction—that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and fatty liver disease.

Heart disease refers to a group of cardiovascular conditions—including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias—strongly linked to obesity, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction.

A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol and central obesity, that raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

A metabolic condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range — driven by insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and excess visceral fat.

A progressive form of fatty liver disease caused by metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and liver cell injury — strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

The body burns less energy after weight loss, slowing metabolism more than body size explains, which can cause plateaus or inadequate weight loss after bariatric surgery.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough of it, leading to elevated blood sugar and long‑term health complications.

A metabolic condition where the body’s cells stop responding normally to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar, increased fat storage, and progression toward type 2 diabetes.

Chronically elevated pressure in the arteries that raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and metabolic complications. It is strongly associated with obesity.

A chronic, relapsing disease of excess body fat driven by genetics, hormones and environment, not willpower. It raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and early death.

A gradual loss of kidney function. Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are leading causes, and weight loss surgery can help some patients qualify for a kidney transplant.

Chronically high insulin levels that drive hunger, cravings, weight gain and fat storage, and can progress toward insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

GLP‑1 deficiency or resistance occurs when the gut–brain hormone GLP‑1 is low or ineffective, causing increased hunger, poor satiety, impaired glucose control, and difficulty losing weight.

Ghrelin dysregulation occurs when the hunger hormone ghrelin is overproduced or poorly suppressed, causing increased hunger, cravings, difficulty losing weight, and impaired appetite control.

The brain no longer responds properly to leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, leading to more hunger, a slower metabolism, weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

A chronic condition of excess body weight that raises the risk of metabolic disease, hormonal imbalance and long-term complications, often the earliest stage of obesity.

Anxiety is a common, treatable condition that affects thoughts, physical symptoms and daily life. Identifying and managing it before and after bariatric surgery supports long-term success.

Using food to cope with stress, anxiety, sadness or boredom. It is a strong behavioral predictor of weight regain after bariatric surgery and needs structured, compassionate care.

A mood disorder with persistent sadness, low energy and loss of interest. Obesity raises the risk of depression through hormonal, inflammatory, metabolic and psychosocial pathways.

Obesity‑related infertility occurs when excess body weight disrupts hormones, ovulation, sperm quality, and reproductive function—affecting both women and men.

PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder characterized by irregular periods, ovarian cysts, insulin resistance, and weight gain—strongly associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by cartilage breakdown, inflammation, and mechanical stress—commonly worsened by obesity due to increased joint load and metabolic inflammation.

Dyslipidemia is an imbalance of cholesterol and triglycerides—often driven by obesity and metabolic dysfunction—that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and fatty liver disease.

Heart disease refers to a group of cardiovascular conditions—including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias—strongly linked to obesity, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction.

A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol and central obesity, that raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

A chronic disease affecting physical and emotional health in young people, raising the risk of diabetes, fatty liver, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and early heart disease.

A metabolic condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range — driven by insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and excess visceral fat.

A progressive form of fatty liver disease caused by metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and liver cell injury — strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Chronic or recurrent back pain from excess weight, inflammation, muscle strain, spine degeneration or posture, often significantly improved with weight loss.

Difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily physical activities due to excess weight, joint pain, respiratory issues, or metabolic disease — often significantly improved after bariatric surgery.

Joint pain and arthritis cause discomfort, swelling and stiffness that limit movement. Learn about management strategies and treatment options to regain your quality of life.

A serious breathing disorder in people with obesity in which the body cannot ventilate properly, raising carbon dioxide, lowering oxygen and straining the heart and lungs.

The body burns less energy after weight loss, slowing metabolism more than body size explains, which can cause plateaus or inadequate weight loss after bariatric surgery.

When weight loss after bariatric surgery is significantly less than expected, often due to metabolic, anatomical, behavioral, or hormonal factors that require evaluation and targeted treatment.

Weight regain after bariatric surgery has hormonal, anatomical and behavioral causes. Treatment matches the cause, from lifestyle changes and medication to endoscopic or surgical revision.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough of it, leading to elevated blood sugar and long‑term health complications.

A metabolic condition where the body’s cells stop responding normally to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar, increased fat storage, and progression toward type 2 diabetes.

Breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, causing poor sleep, daytime fatigue and a higher risk of heart and metabolic disease. It is strongly associated with obesity.

Chronically elevated pressure in the arteries that raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and metabolic complications. It is strongly associated with obesity.

A chronic, relapsing disease of excess body fat driven by genetics, hormones and environment, not willpower. It raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and early death.

Why acid reflux develops after a gastric sleeve, how it is diagnosed, and every option to fix it, from medication and hiatal hernia repair to LINX, cardiopexy and conversion to gastric bypass.

A small bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small intestine, often from adhesions or a hernia, causing cramping pain, bloating, vomiting and an inability to pass gas. Some cases need surgery.

An internal hernia occurs when intestine slips through an opening inside the abdomen, most often after gastric bypass, causing pain after meals or a sudden, dangerous bowel obstruction.

A neurological and hematologic deficiency caused by impaired absorption of vitamin B12 — extremely common after gastric bypass, SADI‑S, and duodenal switch.

A trace mineral deficiency that impairs red blood cell production, nerve function, immune health, and connective tissue strength — most common after malabsorptive bariatric procedures.

A trace mineral deficiency that impairs immune function, wound healing, hair growth, taste, and skin integrity — increasingly common after malabsorptive bariatric procedures.

A fat‑soluble vitamin deficiency that impairs vision, immune function, skin health, and mucosal integrity — especially common after duodenal switch (DS) and SADI‑S due to fat malabsorption.

A nutritional deficiency that impairs red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and fetal development — common in bariatric patients and often paired with vitamin B12 deficiency.

A serious nutritional deficiency that impairs nerve function, muscle coordination, and metabolism — and can progress to life‑threatening neurological disease if untreated.

A mineral deficiency that weakens bones and affects nerves and muscles, commonly linked to vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism after bariatric surgery.

A common deficiency that reduces red blood cell production, causing fatigue, weakness and hair loss, especially after gastric bypass, SADI-S and duodenal switch.

Malnutrition occurs when the body cannot absorb or use nutrients because of structural, vascular or functional digestive disorders, many of which need surgical evaluation and treatment.

A common nutritional deficiency that impairs bone strength, hormone regulation, immune function, and metabolic health — especially prevalent after bariatric surgery.

A progressive loss of bone density that raises fracture risk, often accelerated by calcium and vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and changes after bariatric surgery.

Protein malnutrition occurs when dietary intake or absorption of protein is insufficient, leading to muscle loss, weakness, edema, impaired healing, and metabolic dysfunction.

Bile reflux occurs when bile flows backward from the small intestine into the stomach and esophagus, causing irritation, inflammation, pain, and symptoms similar to or worse than acid reflux.

Anxiety is a common, treatable condition that affects thoughts, physical symptoms and daily life. Identifying and managing it before and after bariatric surgery supports long-term success.

Using food to cope with stress, anxiety, sadness or boredom. It is a strong behavioral predictor of weight regain after bariatric surgery and needs structured, compassionate care.

The body does not get or absorb enough protein, vitamins or minerals after bariatric surgery, which can lead to anemia, bone loss, nerve damage, vision changes and severe complications.

Pain after bariatric surgery can reflect normal healing, food intolerance, or a serious problem such as a leak, stricture, ulcer, internal hernia or obstruction. Early evaluation is essential.

A marginal ulcer is a sore at the connection between the stomach pouch and the intestine after gastric bypass. Smoking and NSAIDs are the main causes, and most heal with acid-reducing medication.

Post-bariatric hypoglycemia is low blood sugar one to three hours after eating, most often after gastric bypass. It is driven by an exaggerated insulin response and is usually controlled with diet.

Occasional vomiting early after surgery is common and usually tied to eating habits. Persistent vomiting can signal a stricture, ulcer or hernia and needs prompt care to protect thiamine levels.

A post‑bariatric stricture is a narrowing of the stomach or anastomosis after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, causing difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and intolerance to solid foods.

A mood disorder with persistent sadness, low energy and loss of interest. Obesity raises the risk of depression through hormonal, inflammatory, metabolic and psychosocial pathways.

Gallstones, gallbladder attacks, inflammation and a poorly working gallbladder, often causing upper-right abdominal pain after meals. Removal is the definitive treatment.

A leak occurs when fluid escapes from a staple line or surgical connection after bariatric surgery. Leaks are rare but serious and require urgent evaluation and treatment.

A narrowing of the esophagus, stomach or an intestinal connection that blocks food, causing pain, vomiting or trouble swallowing, often after bariatric surgery or from reflux.

Food moves too quickly into the small intestine after surgery, causing cramping, a racing heart, diarrhea or low blood sugar. Diet changes control it in most patients.

A serious breathing disorder in people with obesity in which the body cannot ventilate properly, raising carbon dioxide, lowering oxygen and straining the heart and lungs.

The body burns less energy after weight loss, slowing metabolism more than body size explains, which can cause plateaus or inadequate weight loss after bariatric surgery.

When weight loss after bariatric surgery is significantly less than expected, often due to metabolic, anatomical, behavioral, or hormonal factors that require evaluation and targeted treatment.

Weight regain after bariatric surgery has hormonal, anatomical and behavioral causes. Treatment matches the cause, from lifestyle changes and medication to endoscopic or surgical revision.

Why acid reflux develops after a gastric sleeve, how it is diagnosed, and every option to fix it, from medication and hiatal hernia repair to LINX, cardiopexy and conversion to gastric bypass.

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. Food may stick in the throat or chest because of a narrowing, inflammation, a hernia or a muscle disorder of the esophagus.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic inflammation of the esophagus that causes difficulty swallowing, food impaction and narrowing over time.

A failed fundoplication occurs when an anti-reflux wrap slips, loosens, tightens or herniates, causing recurrent reflux, trouble swallowing or bloating that may need redo surgery.

A paraesophageal hernia occurs when the stomach pushes up into the chest beside the esophagus, causing chest pressure, early fullness, anemia and a risk of twisting.

An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that bulges out of the esophagus wall, often from a muscle problem below it, causing trouble swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, bad breath or coughing.

An over-sensitive esophagus makes normal amounts of reflux cause real heartburn or chest pain. It often responds poorly to acid-blocking pills alone.

GERD with typical heartburn and regurgitation but a normal-looking esophagus on endoscopy. It is the most common form of GERD and needs objective testing before surgery.

Erosive esophagitis is GERD in which stomach acid causes visible damage to the lining of the esophagus on endoscopy. Severe grades need long-term treatment to heal and prevent strictures or Barrett's.

A previously repaired hiatal hernia comes back, letting the stomach move into the chest again and causing persistent or worsening reflux, chest discomfort or trouble swallowing.

Peptic ulcer disease occurs when open sores form in the stomach or duodenum due to acid injury, infection, medications, or underlying foregut disorders, causing pain, nausea, or bleeding.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is reflux that reaches the throat and voice box, causing hoarseness, throat clearing, chronic cough or a lump sensation, often without typical heartburn.

A motility disorder with excessively strong esophageal contractions that cause severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing and episodes of food sticking.

Zollinger–Ellison syndrome is a rare condition caused by gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinomas) that lead to excessive acid production, severe ulcers, abdominal pain, and chronic diarrhea.

Refractory GERD is reflux that continues despite optimal acid-suppressing medication. It requires careful testing to confirm reflux and may be treated with anti-reflux surgery or gastric bypass.

Postsurgical gastroparesis is delayed stomach emptying that develops after abdominal or foregut surgery, leading to nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, and difficulty tolerating meals.

Idiopathic gastroparesis is delayed stomach emptying without an identifiable cause, leading to nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, and chronic digestive discomfort.

Diabetic gastroparesis is delayed stomach emptying caused by long‑standing diabetes, leading to nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, and difficulty maintaining stable blood glucose levels.

Burning chest discomfort that feels like reflux but occurs without abnormal acid exposure. It is diagnosed after testing rules out GERD and is not treated with antireflux surgery.

EGJ outflow obstruction is a swallowing disorder in which the valve at the bottom of the esophagus does not relax fully, causing trouble swallowing or chest pain. It is diagnosed with manometry.

An open sore in the lining of the esophagus caused by severe reflux, infection, medications or other foregut disorders, leading to pain, bleeding or difficulty swallowing.

A blockage of the first part of the small intestine from inflammation, scarring, compression or anatomical defects, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and trouble tolerating food.

Diffuse esophageal spasm is a motility disorder characterized by uncoordinated or simultaneous esophageal contractions that cause chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and episodes of food sticking.

Bile reflux occurs when bile flows backward from the small intestine into the stomach and esophagus, causing irritation, inflammation, pain, and symptoms similar to or worse than acid reflux.

Stomach cancer often causes vague symptoms such as indigestion, early fullness, weight loss or bleeding. It is diagnosed by endoscopy and biopsy and may be treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

Causes progressive trouble swallowing, weight loss and sometimes bleeding. Long-standing reflux and Barrett's are risk factors. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties more slowly than normal, causing nausea, bloating, early fullness, and difficulty digesting food.

An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus, often from long-standing reflux, that makes solid food stick. It is usually treated with endoscopic dilation and control of reflux.

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where chronic acid exposure causes the esophageal lining to change, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer if untreated.

A rare disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax and the esophagus cannot push food down, causing trouble swallowing, regurgitation and chest discomfort.

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest. It weakens the barrier against reflux and is common in people with obesity.

Frequent reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, causing heartburn and regurgitation. Untreated, it can damage the esophagus and lead to Barrett's esophagus.

A narrowing of the esophagus, stomach or an intestinal connection that blocks food, causing pain, vomiting or trouble swallowing, often after bariatric surgery or from reflux.

A small bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small intestine, often from adhesions or a hernia, causing cramping pain, bloating, vomiting and an inability to pass gas. Some cases need surgery.

An internal hernia occurs when intestine slips through an opening inside the abdomen, most often after gastric bypass, causing pain after meals or a sudden, dangerous bowel obstruction.

Biliary dyskinesia is gallbladder-type pain without gallstones, caused by a gallbladder that does not empty normally. Carefully selected patients may benefit from gallbladder removal.

Acute cholangitis is a serious infection of the bile ducts, usually from a stone blocking bile flow. It causes fever, jaundice and abdominal pain and needs urgent drainage and antibiotics.

Gallstone pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas caused by a gallstone blocking the shared bile and pancreatic duct. After recovery, the gallbladder is usually removed to prevent another attack.

Choledocholithiasis means gallstones in the common bile duct. They can cause pain, jaundice, infection or pancreatitis and are removed by ERCP or during laparoscopic bile duct exploration.

Sudden inflammation of the gallbladder, usually from a gallstone blocking its outlet, causing constant upper-right abdominal pain and fever. It is treated by removing the gallbladder.

Biliary colic is episodic upper abdominal pain, often after fatty meals, caused by a gallstone temporarily blocking the gallbladder. Recurrent attacks are a common reason to remove the gallbladder.

A bulge or defect at the belly button caused by weakened abdominal tissue, often worsened by obesity, pregnancy, prior surgery, or increased intra‑abdominal pressure.

An inguinal hernia is a bulge of abdominal tissue or intestine through a weak spot in the groin. It can cause pain and, rarely, become trapped. Minimally invasive and robotic repair speed recovery.

Colon cancer develops when malignant cells form in the large intestine. It causes changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia.

Malnutrition occurs when the body cannot absorb or use nutrients because of structural, vascular or functional digestive disorders, many of which need surgical evaluation and treatment.

A ventral hernia occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall. Large or recurrent hernias may need minimally invasive, robotic or complex wall reconstruction.

Peptic ulcer disease occurs when open sores form in the stomach or duodenum due to acid injury, infection, medications, or underlying foregut disorders, causing pain, nausea, or bleeding.

Zollinger–Ellison syndrome is a rare condition caused by gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinomas) that lead to excessive acid production, severe ulcers, abdominal pain, and chronic diarrhea.

A blockage of the first part of the small intestine from inflammation, scarring, compression or anatomical defects, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and trouble tolerating food.

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare growths that arise from hormone‑producing cells in the digestive tract or pancreas. They may cause abdominal pain, hormonal symptoms, or be found incidentally.

Rare tumors of the digestive tract, most often the stomach or small intestine, that may cause pain, bleeding or fullness. Treatment often includes surgery and targeted therapy.

Adrenal tumors are growths that develop in the adrenal glands and may be benign or cancerous. Some produce excess hormones, causing high blood pressure, weight changes, or metabolic symptoms.

Pancreatic cancer develops when malignant cells form in the pancreas. It causes abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, and digestive changes.

Stomach cancer often causes vague symptoms such as indigestion, early fullness, weight loss or bleeding. It is diagnosed by endoscopy and biopsy and may be treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

Causes progressive trouble swallowing, weight loss and sometimes bleeding. Long-standing reflux and Barrett's are risk factors. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Compression of the left renal vein, most often between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, causing flank pain, pelvic congestion, blood in the urine and abdominal symptoms.

Chronic upper abdominal pain from irritation or dysfunction of the celiac nerve plexus. It may occur alone or alongside MALS or celiac artery compression.

SMA syndrome is a rare condition in which the duodenum is compressed between two arteries, often after rapid weight loss, causing fullness, nausea and vomiting after meals.

Small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected, causing abdominal pain and fever. Treatment ranges from antibiotics to surgery for severe or recurrent cases.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or alcohol use. It leads to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and digestive symptoms and may require hospitalization.

Enlargement, cysts, infarcts, infections and injuries of the spleen, which can cause pain, fullness, anemia or low blood counts. Some cases need minimally invasive splenectomy.

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, causing sudden abdominal pain that often requires urgent surgical removal to prevent rupture or infection.

The median arcuate ligament compresses the celiac artery and nearby nerves, causing abdominal pain after meals, nausea and weight loss. It needs specialized evaluation.

Gallstones, gallbladder attacks, inflammation and a poorly working gallbladder, often causing upper-right abdominal pain after meals. Removal is the definitive treatment.