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Friday, May 27, 2016

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.

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.

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 require for the surgery resembles what happens for other major operations. A number of tests have to be conducted to establish that the candidate is ready to be operated on. Some of the most helpful tests at this point in time include hemogram (or full blood count) and renal function tests. There is also a need to stop drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding such as anticoagulants.

The surgeon can choose one of two techniques to do this operation. The first type is known as Roux-en-Y. In the technique, a small incision is first made on the abdominal wall so as to access the stomach. A portion of the stomach is stapled or compressed with a band to reduce its size. A Y-shaped intestinal section is then attached onto the stomach so that a part of the original route is bypassed (hence the name).

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 alternative is what is termed extensive gastric bypass. This is a more radical approach that is mainly used in the event of biliary obstruction resulting from liver disease. It is for this reason that the procedure is sometimes called biliopancreatic diversion. The surgery itself involves the removal of the lower stomach portion and joining the upper portion to the lower part of the small intestines.

There are several complications that may be encountered. The commonest is malnutrition resulting from reduced absorption of nutrients. Dumping syndrome is also fairly common and may be seen in the immediate term or after some years. It is characterized by sweating, nausea, vomiting and weakness whose onset follow the intake of food.




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