Gastric Bypass Surgery

The surgical procedures performed for weight loss in obese patients most commonly are Roux-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding.  The operations take usually between 1-3 hours; the preparation and subsequent lifestyle changes take infinitely longer. 

The Surgery
Weight loss surgery should be considered if a patient has a BMI of 40 or greater or a BMI of 35 or greater with significant obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.

• In the last five years, the number of weight loss surgeries has doubled to about 40,000 annually
• Gastric bypass surgery is a major operation that seals off most of the stomach to decrease food intake and also, rearranges the small intestines to reduce the calories that the body can absorb
• The gastric bypass surgery may be performed using laparoscopic techniques- through several very small incisions.  Benefits of the laparoscopic method may include reduced recovery time and post-surgical pain

Benefits of the Laparoscopic Approach

• Decreased wound infection rates
• Decreased abdominal wall hernia rates
• Decreased potential for pneumonia
• Decreased pain
• Quicker recovery
• Additional training Required

Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

• Approximately one-third of weight loss surgery patients develop gallstones.  Gallstones can be prevented with supplemental bile salts taken for the first six months after surgery.
• Nearly 30 percent of patients develop nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia or osteoporosis.  Deficiencies can be avoided if vitamin and mineral intakes are maintained.
• 10 to 20 percent of weight loss surgery patients require follow-up operations to correct complications, like abdominal hernias or breakdown of the staple line.
• Gastric bypass surgery may cause "dumping syndrome," when stomach contents move too rapidly through small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and occasionally diarrhea after eating, and inability to eat sweets without becoming weak and sweaty. 
  

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