How Gastric Bypass Works

Gastric bypass surgeries and other weight loss medical proceduresrnbeing performed in the United States are increasing for the last few years.rnThis may be in response for the increase in the number of people suffering from obesity.rnAccording to the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, rnthere are about 140,000 gastric bypass being performed every year. Those who have undergone weight loss surgeries, rnlose about 50 to 60% of their body weight,rna year after the surgery. rnAlong with the weight loss,rnthey would also be losing ailments associated with obesity like high blood pressure,rndiabetes, stroke, heart diseases and even cancer. The Procedure: The most common gastric bypass performed is called the Roux-en Y gastric bypass. rnIn this procedure, a small pouch is created on the top of the stomach.rnIt is stapled, to seal it off from the rest of the stomach.rnThis small pouch will no longer digest any food. rnThe upper part of the small intestine, the duodenum, is attached to this small pouch. When eating, the food would bypass the small pouch in the stomachrnand the upper portion of the small intestine.rnThe food would go directly to the middle section of the intestine called the jejunum.rnSince it is the small intestine that does the absorption of minerals,rnvitamins and calories, the body will absorb limited calories only.rnA Y formation is formed just below the stomach. Incisions are made in the abdomen to perform the procedure. rnSurgeons will be using the laparoscope or a small, tubular instrument with a camera.rnThis will enable the surgeon to see the abdomen and perform the surgery.rnThe laparoscopic gastric bypass actually makes the stay in the hospitalrnand the recovery period shorter and quicker. There are still “open” gastric bypass performed,rnhowever, there could be wound-related problems with this kind of procedure.rnThe laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.rnThe procedure lasts for about four hours.rnPatients who have undergone the procedurernstay in the hospital for about two to six days to be monitored for any complications. After the Surgery: Having a smaller stomach has effects on how much food the patient can eat.rnThere are special diets that a patient recovering from gastric bypass surgery follows. rnEvery food that the patient would eat will be important for his nutrition.rnThere are times that they are also recommended nutritional supplementsrnto avoid deficiencies like anemia or vitamin deficiency. There are patients reporting weight loss of as much as 50 to 60 percent a year after the surgery.rnThere are even some who would report an astounding 80% weight loss.rnHowever, it is still possible for patients to stretch their stomachs rnand have that large size again. rnThere is still a possibility of getting back those lost pounds.rnThat is why doctors would recommend dietary restrictionsrnand exercise plans that would keep the pounds away. There are also tendencies that gastric bypass patients would develop gallstones,rnstomach ulcers, hernia or nutritional deficiencies.rnThe part of the stomach which was bypassed can get enlarged,rnit could cause bloating and hiccups. rnThere is also the Dumping syndrome rnwhich happens when the food moves quickly to the small intestine.rnThis can happen after eating foods high in sugar or fat.