Basics Relating To Gastric Bypass Surgery

By Brian Anderson


Bariatric surgeries are a group of surgical procedures whose objective is to assist in weight loss. This is achieved through a reduction of food consumed (reduced stomach volume), a reduction of nutrient absorption or both. Gastric bypass surgery is one of these operations. There are a number of things New York residents need to know if they are considering having this operation.

Generally, weight loss surgeries are done as a last resort procedure for persons that are trying to lose weight but have not responded to lifestyle changes. It is recommended if one is at a high risk of suffering from weight related complications such as type 2 diabetes, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, hypertension, heart disease and stroke among others. The candidate should have a body mass index, BMI, of 40. A lower BMI of 35 is acceptable if they already have complications.

If you meet the required criteria, the operation will be scheduled to take place when you have been adequately prepared. You may need to have a number of tests to ascertain that you are ready for the operation. You may be asked to scale down or withhold on some drugs and foods until the operation is over. Smoking affects wound healing and should be stopped at least two weeks in advance.

There are different forms of gastric bypass surgeries that exist. The most commonly performed is the Roux-en-Y. The reason as to why this type is very popular is the fact that it can be easily done through small incisions. This helps to reduce the rate of complications and to shorten the recovery time. It is performed in two major steps. The first step is the creation of a pouch from the stomach by use of staples or a silicon band.

The second step is the attachment of a Y-shaped intestinal portion to the pouch. When food moves from the pouch into this part of the intestines, a significant section of the digestion tract is bypassed (hence the name). This means that there will be less absorption of nutrients and less calories will be produced. Weight loss starts to set in in subsequent weeks and months.

Extensive gastric bypass (also referred to as biliopancreatic diversion) is more radical. While it may be an option for weight loss, its main indication is biliary obstruction due to liver disease. The operation itself involves the removal of the lower stomach and the joining of the upper stomach portion to the last portion of the intestines. The other two portions are skipped. Due to severe nutrient deficiency, the procedure is not done routinely.

One needs to be familiar with the possible risks of these operations. One of the risks is the fact that the pouch can dilate over time and increase in size. The dilatation may even cause it to revert to its original size. The band may be eroded causing it to disintegrate together with the staples. This effectively reverses the procedure. In rare circumstances, stomach acids can leak and cause injury to internal organs.

Dumping syndrome refers to a number of symptoms that are experienced in some patients that have undergone these procedures. It is characterized by nausea, sweating, fainting, weakness and diarrhea. These symptoms occur after ten to thirty minutes following the consumption of food. They are most likely to be experienced when one eats sugary foods or sweets. The underlying cause is the rapid movement of food through the stomach.




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