How Gastric Bypass Surgery Helps In Weight Loss

By Lisa Green


Weight loss operations are also known as bariatric operations. They work by limiting the amount of food one can consume hence are also referred to as restrictive surgeries. The main types that are offered in New York include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding. While there are some differences in the way in which each of them is done the end result is more or less the same. In this article we look at the important aspects of the bypass surgery.

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 steps that are involved in preparing for this operation are more or less the same as those involved in other surgeries. One needs to be subjected to a number of tests to determine whether they are fit enough to have the surgery. Some of the important tests conducted routinely include renal function tests and a full blood count. Some drugs such as aspirin and anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding and should be stopped before the operation.

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.

One of the reasons as to why weight loss occurs following the Roux-en-Y procedure is the small stomach size. Faster filling means that you will eat less than before. Consequently less food is available for conversion to fat for storage as most of it is used for the provision of energy. The other major contributor to weight loss is the reduced surface area that is necessary for absorption of nutrients.

The second type is called extensive gastric bypass. As the name suggest, this technique is quite radical. In this technique, the lower part of the stomach is cut and discarded and the remaining upper part joined to the last segment of intestines which means that a large segment is bypassed. Since it is mostly considered when there is biliary obstruction, it is also known as biliopancreatic diversion surgery.

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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