How Gastric Bypass Surgery Helps In Weight Loss

By Lisa Green


Bariatric surgery is any surgical operation that is conducted with the aim of reducing body weight. The main types that are performed commonly in New York include gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. Although a few differences exist among these surgeries, they are fundamentally the same in the manner in which they achieve their desired effect. In this article we explore the procedure involved in the bypass operation as well as the associated risks and benefits.

Once you have made the decision to have the operation, you need to visit a general surgeon. Ensure that you have a discussion on the pros and cons of having such an operation and determine whether any other options exist. Most doctors hold the view that surgery should be done as a last resort. One needs to first attempt losing their unwanted weight by instituting lifestyle changes.

Candidates that are most likely to benefit from the surgery are those with a body mass index of 40 or more. If one is suffering from a condition that is aggravated by excess weight then a lower value may be accepted. Examples include sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes among others. In these cases, surgery will help not only relieve the symptoms but will also help slow the progression.

The preparation require for the surgery resembles what happens for other major operations. A number of tests have to be conducted to establish that the candidate is ready to be operated on. Some of the most helpful tests at this point in time include hemogram (or full blood count) and renal function tests. There is also a need to stop drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding such as anticoagulants.

There are two main techniques that are employed in performing this operation. The commoner of the two is known as Roux-en-Y. It is a technique that permits the performance of the surgery through a small opening which reduces the rate of complications and improves the recovery time. The stomach is first reduced in size through stapling or banding and then joined to Y-shaped part of intestines. The first and second intestinal portions are usually bypassed.

In the case of Roux-en-Y, weight loss will be achieved due to a number of reasons. The small size of the stomach can only allow one to eat a limited amount of food most of which is used in the provision of energy. The other effect of this operation is that the surface area available for absorption of nutrients is markedly reduced due to the bypass of a large section.

The second alternative is what is termed extensive gastric bypass. This is a more radical approach that is mainly used in the event of biliary obstruction resulting from liver disease. It is for this reason that the procedure is sometimes called biliopancreatic diversion. The surgery itself involves the removal of the lower stomach portion and joining the upper portion to the lower part of the small intestines.

Reduction in the absorption of essential nutrients is a common complication. This is mostly seen when extensive bypass is performed. Another possible complication both in the short term and long term is a condition popularly referred to as dumping syndrome. The features of dumping syndrome include sweating, weakness, vomiting and nausea. These symptoms are usually experienced a few minutes after eating due to rapid food movement.




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