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.

It is important that the client and the surgeon have a detailed discussion on the need for the operation first before a decision is made. Other options of losing weight should be offered and tried out with surgery coming in as a last resort. Lifestyle changes are among the most effective and are also affordable by a majority of the population.

The candidate who wishes to have this operation should ideally have a body mass index of at least 40 which puts them in the category of morbid obesity. In the event that they also have a weight related medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea, they will be considered for the operation even with a lower index. Surgery helps slow down the severity of symptoms associated with these conditions.

The preparation needed for this surgery is similar to what would be required for any major operation. You need to have a number of tests that will help establish whether or not you are fit enough. Some of the tests that will be performed include a full blood count and renal function tests. You may also be asked to stop taking some drugs that are likely to impact negatively on the procedure such as aspirin and blood thinners.

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 technique that is employed is known as extensive gastric bypass. It is a more radical procedure that is mainly considered in case of biliary obstruction caused by liver disease. This is why it is alternatively known as biliopancreatic diversion. To perform the operation, the lower stomach portion is removed and the upper portion is then stitched to the last section of the intestines skipping the first and the second in the process.

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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