Benefits Of Gastric Bypass Surgery

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.

As is the case with many other surgeries, the decision to undergo the procedure is made collectively by the surgeon and the client. The advice of experts is that bariatric surgeries should be considered only after all the conservative options have been tried out. Such may include, for example, making dietary changes and engaging in physical exercise regularly for at least six months. The only exception is when a lot of fat has to be lost in a short span of time.

The candidate undergoing gastric bypass should ideally have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40. If the BMI value is less than this then the benefits may not be that much. For persons that have weight related complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea, the BMI cut-off value has been set at 35.

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.

One of two techniques can be used in this surgery. The Roux-en-Y is the commonest. The stomach is first reduced into a small pouch through banding or stapling before joined to the last segment of the small intestines. The first two parts are skipped (bypassed). All this is done through small incisions created in the anterior abdominal wall. One of the reasons as to why the technique us popular is because of the low rate of complications.

Weight loss due to this technique occurs due to a number of mechanisms. A reduction in the stomach size means that you will experience early satiety and a general reduction in the amount of food that is eaten. Another mechanism involved is the reduction in the surface area that is available for absorption of nutrients mainly due to the rerouting of digested food.

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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