Gastric Bypass Procedure
Gastric bypass is one of surgical methods to reduce the excess of body weight. Starting with the surgery, the surgeon will make 4-6 small cut/incisions in the belly. Then, the surgeon will pass the laparoscope and other instruments through these incisions. The laparoscope will be connected to a monitor, on which the whole internal view will be displayed. The surgeon will do the partition of stomach in two parts with the help of staples. The upper section will be small and is called pouch, whereas the lower section will be large enough. Now, the eaten food will be stored in the pouch whose size is same as that of walnut. It is able to store only 1 ounce of food which will make you feel full after eating a little food. In this way it will help you to eat less and thus, to lose weight too. The next step is bypass. In this, a small part of small intestine known as jejunum is connected to the pouch which will reroute the path of food. Now, the food from the opening of the pouch will directly go to the small intestine, and thus, is permitted from bypassing to the bottom part of the stomach. As a consequence of small food intake, your body will absorb fewer calories. The surgeon will regularly check the monitor to make sure that the process is being executed in a right way.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Gastric bypass
The average weight loss after this surgery is comparatively high than the other procedures. Many other health problems are resolved up to 80-100% which includes GERD, asthma, hyperlipidemia, back pain and hypertension *. According to the various studies, the people with this surgery gain only 10-13% of the lost weight even after the period of 10-14 years *. It also helps to cure depression in large percentage of patients which is 52-73% *. Improved mobility as arthritis is improved to great extent. With the weight loss, energy of the body is increased. Thus, the ability to exercise also increases which help to maintain the body weight. Improved levels of blood pressure and cholesterol.
Complexities of the surgery
As Gastric surgery is a complex one, some risks are associated with it. The death rate is very low for this procedure which is 1% and the chances of other complications vary from 5-10% *. Some of the complications are:
- Allergies from the medicines
- Wound infections- which can lead to Hernia
- Blood clots may be formed in the legs having the possibility to get passed to the lungs
- Although, the blood loss is less as compared to open surgery, but still it can cause the deficiency of blood in the body.
- Problem in breathing
- May lead to various infections that can be in lungs, kidney or bladder
- May result into the blockage of intestine
- Can cause the deficiency of various micronutrients that can persist for long time
- Can cause reflux and diarrhea
Who should go through Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass?
It is a major surgery and along with having number of benefits it also have some associated risks. So, try other methods of weight loss first that include dieting, exercising and making little changes to your lifestyle; and have Laparoscopic Gastric bypass surgery done if it is the only way left by which you can reduce your weight. Also, the surgery is for them who are severely obese. Get in your mind that Gastric Bypass Surgery does not provide an “immediate fix” for obesity. Even after surgery you need to diet and exercise regularly so that you can obtain the desired weight loss. Before going through the Laparoscopic Gastric bypass, know well about its risks and how it will affect your life.