The Procedures Involved In Gastric Bypass Surgery

By Brian Anderson


Bariatric surgeries are a group of surgical procedures whose objective is to assist in weight loss. This is achieved through a reduction of food consumed (reduced stomach volume), a reduction of nutrient absorption or both. Gastric bypass surgery is one of these operations. There are a number of things New York residents need to know if they are considering having this operation.

In general, weight-loss surgeries should be performed as a last resort for people who have tried all the non-surgical options of weight loss but have been unsuccessful. They are likely to be more beneficial in persons who are suffering from or are at risk of developing weight-related complications such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes type 2, gastro-esophageal reflux disease and stroke among others. The general recommendation is that the candidate should have a BMI(body mass index) of not less than 40 (or 35 if they already have the complications).

Once you have qualified as a candidate for the operation, your doctor will instruct you on how you should prepare. A number of tests may have to be done as part of preoperative preparation. Restrictions may be placed on foods and drugs before and after the operation. If you are a smoker, you should stop the habit for two weeks before the operation and for the same duration afterwards.

There are different types of gastric bypass that can be performed. The most common is the Roux-en-Y. This type is very popular since it can be performed through by minimal access hence there are less complications and the recovery time is markedly reduced. It involves two steps. The first is the conversion of the stomach into a small pouch through stapling or vertical banding. The capacity of the stomach is reduced and so is the food intake.

The second step is the attachment of a Y-shaped intestinal portion to the pouch. When food moves from the pouch into this part of the intestines, a significant section of the digestion tract is bypassed (hence the name). This means that there will be less absorption of nutrients and less calories will be produced. Weight loss starts to set in in subsequent weeks and 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 refers to a number of symptoms that are experienced in some patients that have undergone these procedures. It is characterized by nausea, sweating, fainting, weakness and diarrhea. These symptoms occur after ten to thirty minutes following the consumption of food. They are most likely to be experienced when one eats sugary foods or sweets. The underlying cause is the rapid movement of food through the stomach.




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