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.