Gastric bypass surgery -

Home » Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery

February 11, 2021

Bariatric surgeries are recommended when the obese person fails to lose weight despite following strict dietary and lifestyle modification, and the prescribed medications. There are many kinds of bariatric surgeries based on the anatomical changes are involved and the impact it has on the ingested food.

About Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the common types of weight loss surgeries performed globally. In this surgery, the stomach and small intestines is altered to modify the way the food is absorbed and digested. This procedure is performed by creating a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach and connecting it to the small intestine. Thus, the food consumed will go straight into the small stomach pouch, bypass the stomach and directly enter the small intestine.

The gastric bypass surgery aids in weight loss by several mechanisms. Like other bypass surgeries, the amount of food held by the stomach is restricted due to the small stomach pouch. This also facilitates lesser consumption of calories. As the food does not go through majority of the stomach, and the part of the small intestine, there is less food digestion and reduced absorption of nutrients and calories. The new route of the food stream causes changes in the gut hormones, which suppress hunger, promote satiety and reverse obesity-caused metabolic syndrome.

The results of the surgery are good with less risk and minimal complications.

What is the need for gastric bypass surgery?

It is performed to lose excess weight and decrease the risk of life-threatening health conditions associated with obesity, such as:

Type 2 diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Heart disease Obstructive sleep apnea Infertility Stroke

Who is the right candidate for gastric bypass surgery?

It is performed in obese people who want to lose weight and have:

Body Mass Index (BMI) 40 or more BMI between 35 to 39.9 with a serious weight-related health issue This surgery can also be the right option for people with BMI 30 to 34 with serious weight-related health issues.

However, everyone planning for the surgery must undergo a screening process and check whether they are fit for the surgery or not. For these weight loss surgeries, the person should be physically and mentally prepared to adopt the required lifestyle changes.

Preparation for the surgery

Before the procedure, the person should undergo a complete physical examination and several lab tests to evaluate the health status. During the initial evaluation, the patient must provide the list of minerals, vitamins, herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and medicines that they consume. The consumption of some specific food items, drinks, and medicines may be restricted. If the patient is on blood-thinning medicines or is diabetic, the healthcare team may alter the dose. Consumption of tobacco must be stopped. The person may be advised to perform some form of physical activity.

What after the surgery?

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. It can be performed as an open surgery or laparoscopic procedure; however, the laparoscopic approach is preferred.

Multiple small incisions are made in the abdomen, through which the laparoscopic instruments are inserted. The surgeon cuts across the top of the stomach and seals it from the rest of the stomach, creating a small, walnut-sized pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. Then, the first portion of the small intestine is cut, and the bottom part is connected to the newly created stomach pouch. The first part of the divided small intestine is connected further down, so that the digestive enzymes and the stomach acids will mix with the food eventually.

The surgery usually takes around 2 -3 hours to complete. The person must stay in the hospital for about 1-4 days after the surgery.

Life after gastric bypass surgery

After the surgery, the patient will be asked to follow a strict liquid diet for a couple of weeks. The diet will then slowly change from a liquid diet to pureed foods. Gradually, soft foods are given and later firm foods as body tolerance increases. However, there is a food limit or restriction on the amount and type of food to eat.

After the surgery, the patient will be given mineral and vitamin supplements, especially vitamin B12, iron and calcium, to meet the required amounts of nutrients.

Frequent medical check-ups will be scheduled done including lab tests, blood tests, and other tests to monitor health in the first several months.

In the first three to six months after the surgery, there may be some changes in the body due to rapid weight loss, such as:

Dry skin
Body aches
Tiredness
Feeling cold
Mood changes
Hair loss and hair thinning

Advantages of gastric bypass surgery

The advantage of gastric bypass surgery includes:

Aids in a good amount of weight loss (approximately 60% to 80%)
Shows long term results
Aids in treating obesity-related health problems
Reduces the amount consumed food
Initiates gut changes that reduce hunger and give a feeling of fullness

Risks of gastric bypass surgery

Like every surgical procedure, gastric bypass surgery is also associated with both long-term and short-term risks.
Risks that are associated with gastric bypass surgery are:

Infection
Blood clots
Breathing or lung problems
Excessive bleeding
Reaction to anaesthesia
Leak in the gastrointestinal system

Some long-term complications and risk associated with gastric bypass surgery are:

Gallstones
Hernias
Stomach
Malnutrition
Vomiting
Bowel obstruction
Dumping syndrome causing nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting
Stomach perforations

Outlook:

Gastric bypass surgery is a safe, effective procedure for weight loss. Similar to other bypass surgeries, this surgery also needs commitment to lifestyle changes for the best results. An obese person can lose half or more than half of the body weight; however, the results may vary from person-to-person. This procedure is also helpful in managing comorbidities associated with obesity.