Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatic surgery, changes the anatomy of an individual’s digestive system to limit the intake of food. Since being obese holds with it other serious medical conditions, surgery can prove to be helpful in lowering the risk associated with these conditions.
The most common and favored bariatric surgery in the United States is gastric bypass. Surgeons prefer this type of weight loss system because it is generally safer and has fewer complications. The effects of a gastric bypass are also long-term and can lead to continual weight loss when behavioral adjustments are made. However, gastric bypass is not for everyone who is dealing with obesity. Before considering undergoing the surgery, you must be able to know what the things are involved during and after the procedure.
Gastric bypass surgury is done by creating a small pouch on top of your stomach. The surgeon will then bypass the route of the food from this pouch directly to the small intestine. Usually, the size of this pouch resembles that of a walnut and can only hold an ounce of food. Bypassing the lower portion of the stomach will not lead to any disruption of the digestive process since it continues to secrete digestive juices which mix with the food in the small intestine. By having the food bypass directly to the second section of the small intestine, your ability to absorb calories is reduced significantly. Traditionally, this operation is done by “opening” the stomach but recent development in technology allows a less invasive procedure to be done through the aid of a laparoscope, a small camera which is inserted in your abdomen to see around the area. Typically, this surgery is done under general anesthesia and takes four hours to complete. You may be required to stay in the hospital for three to five days post-surgery so that the hospital staff can monitor you for any complications.
Recovery after the surgery involves not being allowed to eat one to three days post-operation to allow your stomach to heal. A specific diet will also be planned out for you for the next twelve weeks, starting with liquids and slowly, moving to pureed foods, and finally to regular foods. Since your stomach is reduced to such a small size, you have to expect to eat very small meals each day. You have to anticipate that eating too much or too fast in the first six months after surgery will make you vomit or feel intense pain on the upper part of your abdomen. Your food intake will eventually increase but rest is assured that you won’t go back to your normal eating habits. Other changes that you might experience due to rapid weight loss caused by the surgery can include drier skin, hair thinning, mood changes, and body aches.
Undergoing this weight loss surgery has several benefits including a good 50% – 60 % weight loss which can be long term if dietary and exercise recommendations are met. It can also improve or cure medical conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes. Gastric by pass surgery is now considered a common procedure, but it is surgery and as such shouldn’t be taken lightly as there are major risks.