Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the legendary singer Elvis Presley, died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. The cause of her death was revealed to be a rare but serious complication from a weight-loss surgery she had undergone years ago. In this article, we will explain what happened to Lisa Marie and how a bariatric surgery can sometimes lead to a life-threatening condition.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a term that refers to various surgical procedures that aim to help people lose weight by reducing the size of their stomach or bypassing part of their small intestine. Some of the common types of bariatric surgery are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding. These surgeries are usually performed on people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or who have a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
Bariatric surgery can have many benefits for people who struggle with obesity, such as improving their quality of life, lowering their risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers, and extending their life expectancy. However, like any surgery, bariatric surgery also has some risks and complications, both in the short term and in the long term.
What is a Small Bowel Obstruction?
A small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a condition where the small intestine becomes blocked by something that prevents the normal passage of food and fluids. The blockage can be caused by various factors, such as scar tissue (adhesions), hernias, tumors, inflammation, twisting (volvulus), or foreign objects. A SBO can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. If left untreated, a SBO can lead to serious complications such as bowel perforation, infection (sepsis), dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or death.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report, Lisa Marie Presley died of natural causes due to a SBO that resulted from adhesions that developed after bariatric surgery years ago. The report stated that this is a known long-term complication of this type of surgery. The report also noted that Presley had therapeutic levels of oxycodone in her blood, as well as quetapine metabolite and buprenorphine. However, these medications were not contributory to her death.
How Common and Preventable is a SBO after Bariatric Surgery?
A SBO after bariatric surgery is not very common, but it can happen to anyone who has had this type of surgery. The exact incidence of SBO after bariatric surgery is not clear, but some studies have estimated it to be between 1% and 5%. The risk of SBO may vary depending on the type of bariatric surgery, the technique used, the surgeon’s experience, and the patient’s individual factors.
A SBO after bariatric surgery can occur at any time after the surgery, but it is more likely to happen within the first year or after several years. The most common cause of SBO after bariatric surgery is adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that form between organs or tissues after an injury or inflammation. Adhesions can cause the small intestine to stick together or to other structures in the abdomen, creating a partial or complete obstruction.
A SBO after bariatric surgery can be prevented by following some recommendations such as:
– Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fiber and fluids
– Avoiding foods that are hard to digest or that can cause gas or bloating
– Chewing food well and eating slowly
– Taking vitamins and supplements as prescribed by the doctor
– Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
– Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
– Seeking medical attention if experiencing any signs or symptoms of a SBO
How is a SBO after Bariatric Surgery Treated?
A SBO after bariatric surgery is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The treatment depends on the severity and the cause of the obstruction. In some cases, a SBO can be treated conservatively with fluids, antibiotics, painkillers, and bowel rest. In other cases, a SBO may require surgical intervention to remove the blockage or repair any damage to the bowel.
The prognosis of a SBO after bariatric surgery depends on several factors such as the duration and extent of the obstruction, the presence of complications such as perforation or sepsis, and the patient’s overall health status. A SBO after bariatric surgery can be fatal if not treated promptly and appropriately.
Conclusion
Lisa Marie Presley’s death was a tragic outcome of a rare but serious complication from a weight-loss surgery she had undergone years ago. A SBO after bariatric surgery is not very common, but it can happen to anyone who has had this type of surgery. A SBO after bariatric surgery can be prevented by following some recommendations and seeking medical attention if experiencing any signs or symptoms of a SBO. A SBO after bariatric surgery is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment and can be fatal if not treated promptly and appropriately.
