Bowel obstruction explained as Lisa Marie Presley dies after weight loss surgery

14 July 2023 , 10:54

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The report said the issue was a common complication from bariatric surgery, which is a weight loss procedure.

Lisa Marie Presley died of complications from bariatric surgery she had several years ago, authorities have said.

The death on January 12 of the 54-year-old singer, songwriter and heir of Elvis Presley was ruled as being from natural causes due to effects of a small bowel obstruction.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner report said the issue was a common complication from bariatric surgery, which is a weight loss procedure. The post-mortem report said she had complained of stomach pain earlier in the day.

Here's some common questions about bariatric surgery.

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is the medical term for a variety of procedures dealing with obesity. Weight loss surgery or metabolic surgery, is sometimes used as a treatment for people who are very obese.

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It involves making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight.

Lisa Marie Presley died of complications from bariatric surgery she had several years ago, authorities have said. (Corbis via Getty Images)

The Mayo Clinic says this surgery is often performed when other weight loss methods have not worked or if a person has a serious medical condition. It's a major operation and in most cases should only be considered after trying to lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise.

There are several types of weight loss surgery.

The most common types are:

• gastric band – a band is placed around your stomach, so you do not need to eat as much to feel full
• gastric bypass – the top part of your stomach is joined to the small intestine, so you feel fuller sooner and do not absorb as many calories from food
• sleeve gastrectomy – some of your stomach is removed, so you cannot eat as much as you could before and you'll feel full sooner

While bariatric surgery can offer many benefits, all forms of weight-loss surgery are major procedures that can pose serious risks and side effects (Getty Images)

How effective is it for weight loss?

Weight loss surgery can lead to significant weight loss, but it should not be viewed as a standalone cure for obesity.

After undergoing weight loss surgery, it is crucial to commit to permanent lifestyle changes to prevent weight regain.

To maintain long-term success, you will need to:

• Modify your diet: Initially, you will follow a liquid or soft food diet in the weeks following surgery. Over time, you will gradually transition to a balanced diet, which you must sustain for the rest of your life.

• Engage in regular exercise: Once you have recovered from surgery, it is recommended to start and maintain an exercise routine for life. Regular physical activity is vital for overall health and weight management.

• Attend regular follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups after surgery are essential to monitor progress and receive guidance or support when needed. These appointments play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success of the weight loss journey.

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Women who have undergone weight loss surgery typically need to avoid pregnancy for the first 12 to 18 months following the procedure.

Bariatric surgery is done in the hospital using general anesthesia (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

What are the risks?

Weight loss surgery is a major operation and there is a chance of dying during the procedure or as a result of a serious complication afterwards. But this is rare.

Longer term risks and complications of weight-loss surgery vary depending on the type of surgery. -These include a bowel instruction, which was is how Lisa Marie Presley is thought to of died.

Complications include:

• being left with excess folds of skin – you may need further surgery to remove these and it is not usually available free of charge on the NHS
• Malnutrition - not getting enough vitamins and minerals from your diet – you'll probably need to take supplements for the rest of your life after surgery
• gallstones (small, hard stones that form in the gallbladder) - The main symptom of gallstones is episodes of severe tummy pain that come on suddenly and can last a few minutes to a few hours.
• a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) - Symptoms can include: your lower leg becoming painful, achy and tender, swelling, redness or warmth in your lower leg, feeling faint or dizzy
• the gastric band slipping out of place, food leaking from the join between the stomach and small intestine, or the gut becoming blocked or narrowed
• A leak in the gut - This can cause a serious infection inside your tummy. Symptoms include a high temperature and shivering.
• Bowel obstruction
• Acid reflux
• The need for a second, or revision, surgery or procedure

What is a bowel obstruction?

The death of singer, songwriter Lisa Marie Presley was ruled as being from natural causes due to effects of a small bowel obstruction.

A small bowel obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small intestine, which is a part of the digestive system.

In the United States, most obstructions occur as a result of prior surgeries. The bowel often forms bands of scar (called adhesions) after being handled during an operation.

The more surgeries that involve the bowel, the more scars are likely to form. If the bowel becomes trapped in adhesions, it may lead to a small bowel obstruction. In severe cases, the blood supply might be compromised, and the bowel tissues might die. This is a life-threatening situation.

The treatment your healthcare provider recommends will depend on what is causing the blockage. Some people might beed surgery right away if theintestinal obstruction is more complicated.

Lucy Williamson