First off, I had a liver transplant 23 yrs go (next month) so this topic is of great interest to me. I have been researching gastric bypass surgery and it's affect upon the liver for several months now. Ty to the OP for bring it's attention to the forum.
I have read real, actual MEDICAL reports on the subject. Yes, liver failure can occur as a result of gastric bypass surgery. I have not yet discovered the reason (I am guessing that it may be from rapid weightloss) but I will continue to research this. The link that I posted at the end of this message states that liver failure can result many years after gbs (I will be looking for further medical evidence to substanciate this).
Many obese ppl have liver disease (NASH, NAFLD, more commonly known as fatty liver disease) and not even be aware of it. It is even more prevalent amongst those who are obese and have type II diabetes (which I have). I have an annual ultrasound of my liver and fatty liver deposits showed up on the scan two years go but this was not reflected in my bloodwork (done every 8 weeks) until this past January. The high liver enzymes also coincided with elevated glucose numbers, which prompted my dr. to discontinue my oral meds and begin insulin therapy. This has resulted in a weight gain of 22lbs, hence why I am here researching gastric bypass sugery. My liver enzymes have come down a bit, as my glucose numbers have as well.
In conclusion, although the risk is minimal, liver failure can occur as a result of gastric bypass surgery. I am sure that your doctors have advised you all of the potential risks but keep in mind that he/she sees many other patients and things do get past them. My advice on this would be to have liver function tests perfomed an a yearly basis after gastric bypass surgery.
I wish that some posters here would research a topic before opening their perverbial big mouths.
OP, I am sorry for the loss of your mother. Liver failure is not a fun way to go. Do not let some of these somewhat biased posters bother you.
Gastric Bypass and Liver Failure
There are other reports out there..this happend to be the most "user friendly."
And, as a former newspaper reporter I think that you entitled your post wonderfully. It certainly got my attention!!!