Final answer:
The most common serious complication and cause of death after gastric bypass surgery is anastomotic leaks, which can result in fever, jaundice, hypotension, and potentially kidney failure. Immediate medical attention is critical when these symptoms occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common serious complication and cause of death after gastric bypass surgery is anastomotic leaks. This condition can lead to symptoms that should be reported immediately, including fever, hypotension, jaundice, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which could potentially lead to kidney failure and death. Patients who experience an anastomotic leak may also have abdominal pain and often require prompt medical attention to prevent these severe outcomes.
Other complications that may arise after gastric bypass surgery include respiratory infections, which can present with fever, cough, and shortness of breath, sometimes leading to pneumonia and kidney failure. Dumping syndrome is characterized by symptoms like nausea, lack of appetite, bloating, and burping, and while it can be quite uncomfortable, it is less lethal than an anastomotic leak. Additionally, while kidney stones can cause back pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and blood in urine, they are also less commonly a direct cause of death when compared to anastomotic leaks.