From Hope to Harm: Weight Loss Surgery Malpractice

For many, weight loss surgery represents a life-changing step toward improved health and increased confidence. Whether it’s a gastric bypass, a gastric sleeve, or a lap band procedure, the goal is the same: to move forward. However, when medical negligence is involved, that journey can take a devastating turn.

If you were harmed before, during, or after weight loss surgery, you may have a valid case of medical malpractice. And that’s where we come in. At Morgan & Morgan, our medical malpractice team reviews these cases at no cost. If we take on your case, you won’t pay us unless we win.

Understanding the Risks of Bariatric Surgery

Every surgery carries some risk, but weight loss procedures come with unique challenges. That’s because bariatric surgery changes how your digestive system functions. And when something goes wrong, the effects can be serious.

Due to these high stakes, your surgical team is expected to exercise extreme caution at every stage: before, during, and after the procedure.

Some of the most serious complications include:

• Leaks along the staple line
• Bowel obstructions
• Internal bleeding
• Severe infections
• Blood clots

In many cases, these issues require emergency surgery and can lead to long-term health problems.

Although deaths from bariatric surgery are rare, they do happen. In May 2025, for instance, a beauty influencer tragically died during recovery from a weight loss procedure.

Still, complications on their own don’t necessarily mean malpractice occurred. The key is whether your doctor or medical team failed to meet the accepted standard of care.

Signs of Weight Loss Surgery Malpractice

Mistakes in bariatric surgery often start before the first incision is made. We’ve seen numerous cases where the damage could have been avoided if the provider had made better decisions from the beginning.

Before Surgery

A responsible doctor will take the time to evaluate whether you’re truly a good candidate. That includes screening for mental health concerns, underlying conditions, or unrealistic expectations. These conversations should happen long before you’re in a gown on the operating table.

During Surgery

This is where precision matters most. Errors like failing to realize an organ has been nicked, performing the wrong procedure, or leaving a surgical instrument behind are not just slip-ups; they’re clear signs of negligence.

After Surgery

Even after a seemingly successful procedure, patients are still vulnerable. Preventable infections, undetected leaks, or being discharged too soon can all lead to serious complications. And yet, some providers send patients home without the necessary support.

Lack of Follow-Up

Ongoing care is essential for bariatric patients. That includes monitoring for nutritional deficiencies and providing emotional support. Unfortunately, once the bill is paid, some providers fall off the radar, leaving patients to deal with the consequences on their own.

Real-World Consequences

Now imagine this: you’re trying to recover from surgery, but instead of getting better, you’re in even more pain, and your doctor won’t take responsibility. Meanwhile, the medical bills continue to pile up.

You might be too weak to return to work. Too anxious to trust another provider. Too discouraged to push forward on your own.

This is exactly where the right legal support can change everything. A skilled medical malpractice attorney can step in, fight for your rights, and help hold the negligent party accountable, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Recoverable Damages in a Lawsuit

No two malpractice cases are exactly alike, so compensation varies. Still, if your injury was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to damages for:

• Medical bills and future care costs
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Some patients also seek compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, and rightfully so. When your health and independence are compromised because someone failed to do their job, that loss is real, and it matters.

The Importance of Proving Negligence

Weight loss surgery cases aren’t simple. There are numerous moving parts, which makes them more challenging to handle, especially for attorneys who lack experience in medical malpractice.

You’re not just dealing with one provider. You’re dealing with an entire team: The surgeon. The anesthesiologist. The nurses. The post-op staff. Each one has a role to play, and it’s crucial to determine who did what and when.

Then there’s the legal pushback. Hospitals and providers often argue that you were warned of the risks and that your injury was just an “unfortunate outcome.” That’s when the finger-pointing starts.

And when it does, you’ll need a strong legal team that knows how to cut through the noise and prove what really happened.

Your Story Deserves to Be Heard: We’re Ready to Listen

Managing weight and making the decision to undergo surgery is a deeply personal journey. When the professionals you trusted make preventable mistakes, that betrayal can feel devastating, both physically and emotionally.

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand how personal these cases are. That’s why we offer free case reviews to anyone who believes their weight loss surgery went wrong because of medical negligence.

Don’t wait to find out where you stand. Share your story with us today, and we might be able to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.