The Procedures Involved In Gastric Bypass Surgery

By Brian Anderson


Bariatric operations are types of surgeries that help in weight loss. The idea is to reduce the food that can be held by the stomach at a given point in time (which reduces food intake) or to reduce the absorption of both. Some modalities achieve their results through both mechanisms. Gastric bypass surgery is one of the commonly performed weight loss operations in New York.

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 fashioning of a Y-shaped portion of the intestines and attaching it onto the pouch. This means that the food can move directly from the pouch (stomach) into the Y-shaped portion and bypass another part (hence the term). The result of this is a reduction in the absorption of nutrients and calories. The rate of weight gain is markedly reduced within weeks to 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.

There are a number of risks that are associated with these operations. One of them is the fact that the pouch may stretch causing the size stomach to increase in size. In some cases, it has even regained its original size. The band may get eroded and disintegrate with time. There have been incidences where leakage of stomach acids have caused damaged to other organs.

Dumping syndrome is a collection of symptoms that may be experienced by persons that have undergone the bypass procedure. Within 10 to 30 minutes of eating, there is a sudden onset of nausea, weakness, abdominal discomfort and at times, fainting. This syndrome is likely to be encountered when one eats sugary foods or sweets and is caused by the rapid movement of eaten foods through the stomach into the small intestines.




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