Gastric Bypass Surgery
If you are considering gastric bypass surgery it is a procedure that you must consider various options that are available to you. The surgery makes your stomach up to 90% smaller than it is originally and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. This allows you to feel full more quickly than when your stomach is its original size. This reduction, or gastric bypass, reduces the amount of food you eat and the calories that your body consumes. The gastric bypass surgery also bypasses part of the intestine reducing the number of calores being consumed. In the end, this leads to weight loss for your body.
The most common gastric bypass surgery is a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In this form of gastric bypass surgery the stomach is made smaller by creating a thumb size pouch on the top of the stomach using a plastic band (or staples). This smaller section is then connected to the middle section of the small intestine - thus bypassing the rest of the stomach and the rest of the small intestine.
After Gastric Bypass Surgery
It usually takes three to six weeks to recover from Gastric Bypass Surgery. After your surgery the way you interact with food (eat) will need to be drastically modified.
- Since your stomach is now reduced you can only eat food a few ounces at a time. Your new stomach will only hold about three tablespoons of food.
- You must eat slowly, and your food must really be turned to mush before it can be processed by your stomach. If you do not do this, you may vomit and be in pain.
- You will not be able to drink for 30 minutes before you eat, during your meal and for 30 minutes after you eat. Basically, there is not any room for food and drink.
- Vitamin supplements will be required for you.
- Foods that are made up of simple sugars will need to be avoided. Items like ice cream, condiments, soft drinks, candy, etc. Simple sugars (if consumed) may cause a problem called dumping syndrome. This happens when the food moves too fast through the stomach and intestines.
Why Have Gastric Bypass Surgery?
If your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher or you have a life-threatening condition related to your weight you might consider gastric bypass surgery. Your physician may consider doing this surgery if you have been unresponsive to other forms of treatment. You should also consider the following:
- You have been obese for five years or more.
- You are mentally healthy.
- You are not an alchoholic.
What to Consider with Gastric Bypass Surgery
Your chances of living longer are increased with gastric bypass surgery. You have a smaller chance of developing seconary problems (heart, diabetes, cancer) due to the reduction in weight. Because the procedure bypasses part of your small intestine you can develop deficiencies in iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamins. You will need to work with a dietitian to plan meals and you will need to take extra vitamins.
Gastric Surgery Options
There are various weight surgery options available for you. The most common ones are here:
- Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND®).
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)
- REALIZE® Band
Citied References:
MayoClinic
Support Group:
FacetoFace Health Weight Control Support Group