Benefits Of Gastric Bypass Surgery

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.

Once you have made the decision to have the operation, you need to visit a general surgeon. Ensure that you have a discussion on the pros and cons of having such an operation and determine whether any other options exist. Most doctors hold the view that surgery should be done as a last resort. One needs to first attempt losing their unwanted weight by instituting lifestyle changes.

Candidates that are most likely to benefit from the surgery are those with a body mass index of 40 or more. If one is suffering from a condition that is aggravated by excess weight then a lower value may be accepted. Examples include sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes among others. In these cases, surgery will help not only relieve the symptoms but will also help slow the progression.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment