Overview
Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that helps people with obesity lose weight and improve their health. During this surgery, the size of the stomach decreases, and also afterward the way the stomach and small intestine absorb food, making it easier to lose weight. You will feel full with less food.
About Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery shrinks the size of your stomach, so the food you eat will no longer go into some parts of your stomach and small intestine that absorb food. Because of this, you can't eat as much as before and your body will not get all of the calories from the food you eat. Gastric bypass operation is mostly prescribed to treat morbid obesity (defined as a body mass index greater than 40).
Gastric Bypass Types
There are several types of gastric bypass surgery, such as:
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
This is the most common gastric bypass surgery done, surgeons can do it through a small cut, which has a quicker recovery time than more complicated surgery. First, the surgeon makes a small stomach pouch by stapling parts of the stomach together or by vertical banding. This limits how much food you can eat. Next, the surgeon attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine to the pouch. That creates a bypass for food, so it skips part of your digestive system. As a result, you absorb fewer calories and nutrients.
Extensive Gastric Bypass (biliopancreatic diversion)
This is a more complicated type of gastric bypass. The surgeon removes the lower part of the stomach. They then connect the small pouch that remains directly to the last part of the small intestine, completely bypassing the first two parts. It works for weight loss, but it's not widely used because it has a high complication rate and can leave you short on nutrients.
Who is a good candidate for Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass surgery, specifically the Roux-en-Y procedure, is a significant weight-loss operation that creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine. This surgery is not only a medical intervention but also a commitment to a new lifestyle, and therefore, identifying the right candidates is crucial for its success.
A good candidate for gastric bypass is typically an adult with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, which is classified as extreme obesity. However, individuals with a BMI between 35 and 39.9, classified as obesity, may also be considered if they have serious weight-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea. In some cases, those with a BMI between 30 and 34 who suffer from significant weight-related health issues may also qualify for the surgery.
The ideal candidates are those who have attempted to lose weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise but have not achieved long-term success. Gastric bypass is often seen as a last resort after other weight-loss attempts have failed. It's important for candidates to have realistic expectations and to understand that the surgery is an aid to weight loss, not a cure for obesity. They must be ready to make permanent changes to their diet and lifestyle, including regular exercise and nutritional monitoring.
Candidates should not have any uncontrolled psychological conditions that could affect their ability to adhere to post-surgery requirements. They must be willing to undergo a comprehensive pre-surgical assessment which includes medical, nutritional, and psychological evaluations to ensure they are well-prepared for the surgery and the subsequent changes in their lifestyle.
Gastric Bypass Side Effects
Bowel obstruction
Dumping syndrome, causing diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Excessive bleeding
Infection
Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Blood clots
Lung or breathing problems
Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
Gastric Bypass Recovery
Patients should recover for a day at the hospital following gastric bypass surgery, and then a few weeks recovering at home. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for up to 6 weeks. Returning to a normal diet may take about 12 weeks.
Gastric Bypass Procedure
Gastric Bypass Risks and Benefits
Gastric bypass surgery is a transformative weight-loss surgery that can offer significant health benefits for individuals struggling with severe obesity. However, like any major surgical intervention, it comes with its own set of risks and potential complications.
Gastric Bypass Benefits
The primary benefit of gastric bypass surgery is substantial and sustained weight loss. Patients often experience an improvement in obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, and stroke. This weight loss can also lead to a decrease in the risk of certain types of cancer and can improve fertility issues related to weight. The psychological benefits are also noteworthy, as many patients report enhanced self-esteem and quality of life post-surgery.
The procedure works by restricting food intake and decreasing the absorption of nutrients, which together contribute to weight loss. It's a mixed procedure that combines both restrictive and malabsorptive approaches to achieve these results. The smaller stomach pouch created during surgery limits the amount of food one can eat, while the bypassed section of the small intestine means fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed.
Gastric Bypass Risks
The risks associated with gastric bypass surgery can be immediate or long-term. Short-term surgical risks are similar to those of any abdominal surgery and include excessive bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and blood clots. Long-term risks may involve nutritional deficiencies due to the malabsorptive component of the surgery, which necessitates lifelong supplementation and dietary adjustments.
Patients may also experience dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, causing nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and, occasionally, diarrhea after eating. Other potential complications include gallstones, hernias, low blood sugar, ulcers, and vomiting. It's also possible for patients to regain some of the weight over time if they do not adhere to the recommended lifestyle changes.
Gastric Bypass Aftercare
After undergoing gastric bypass surgery, a comprehensive aftercare plan is essential for recovery and long-term success. The aftercare process is multifaceted, involving dietary changes, physical activity, and medical follow-ups.
Dietary Changes: Post-surgery, patients must adhere to a staged diet that gradually transitions from liquids to solid foods. Initially, the focus is on hydration and avoiding dehydration. Patients start with clear liquids and then progress to full liquids, which may include protein shakes. This phase typically lasts for the first two weeks.
Physical Activity: Physical activity is encouraged as soon as it's medically safe. Starting with light walking and gradually increasing intensity as healing progresses is key. Regular exercise helps with weight loss maintenance and improves cardiovascular health.
Medical Follow-Ups: Regular follow-up appointments with the surgical team are vital to monitor recovery and address any complications. These appointments typically occur within the first few weeks post-surgery and then at regular intervals for at least the first year.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Long-term success requires permanent lifestyle changes. Patients must commit to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and often, vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies.
Medication Adjustments: Significant weight loss can alter the need for medications related to obesity-related conditions. Patients must work closely with their healthcare providers to adjust dosages as needed.
Gastric Bypass in Iran
Equipped hospitals and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who struggle with losing weight and obesity.
Gastric Bypass Cost in Iran
Gastric bypass surgery is a life-changing procedure that has been increasingly sought after in Iran, both by local and international patients. The country has become a hub for medical tourism, particularly for bariatric surgery, due to its combination of highly skilled surgeons, modern medical facilities, and relatively low costs.
The cost of a gastric bypass in Iran can vary based on several factors, including the hospital, the surgeon's expertise, and the city where the surgery is performed. On average, the price for a gastric bypass is around 3,000-6,500 USD. This is significantly less expensive than in many Western countries, where the cost can exceed $20,000.
This includes pre-surgery consultations, the surgery itself, post-operative care, and follow-up appointments. Patients choosing Iran for their gastric bypass can expect comprehensive care packages that often encompass additional services such as airport transfers, accommodation, and a personal interpreter. These services not only ease the logistical burden on the patient but also ensure a comfortable and stress-free medical journey.
Moreover, the lower cost does not mean a lack of aftercare. Most packages include dietary plans and programs to help patients adjust to their new lifestyle post-surgery. Follow-up care, which is crucial to the success of the surgery, is also provided, with doctors monitoring the patient's progress and recovery.
