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GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY

About the procedure:

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is generally considered to be one of the most popular surgical procedure for patients with a very high BMI. With this procedure, 75% of patients are expected to lose 75 - 80% of their excess body weight. As weight decreases and lifestyle habits improve, most patients realize drastic improvement in other areas of their health as well, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and more.

The surgeon sections off a portion of the stomach to create a small pouch about the size of a golf ball and creates a stoma, which is a small opening between the stomach and intestine. The small size of the stomach allows the patient to feel full after eating only a small amount of food. The stoma delays the emptying of the stomach, allowing the patient to feel fuller longer.

A portion of the small intestine is divided and attached to the newly created stomach pouch, creating the Roux limb. This Roux limb "bypasses" the original stomach and longer portion of the small intestine. Since calories are absorbed in the small intestine, bypassing a lengthy portion of it means the patient's body absorbs fewer calories.

Gastric Bypass Benefits:

75% of patients are expected to lose 75 to 80% of their excess body weight. Well over 70 to 80% of patients with hypertension will be off medications and well over 90% of patients with type II non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus are expected to be off medication. Drastically improved, if not completely resolved includes sleep apnea, asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux, fatigue, shortness of breath and an overall increased sense of well-being.

There is expected to be a significant reduction in risks of heart disease, pulmonary disease and cancers. Morbid obesity can reduce the lifespan as much as 20% in a given patient, depending on their age and co morbid problems. There is also a significantly improved quality of life and self-esteem in patients who have undergone gastric bypass procedure for weight loss.

Gastric Bypass Risks:

If you are considering having the gastric bypass surgical procedure done, it is important that you understand the risks involved. At the time a decision is made to have the surgery, you will be asked to sign a consent form stating you understand all the risks involved. You are encouraged to ask any questions at the time of your consultation. Some of the risks are as follows:

• Bleeding and/or Infections

• Follow-up surgeries to correct complications, or to remove excess skin

• Gallstones due to significant weight loss in a short amount of time

• Gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach)

• Vomiting from eating more than the stomach pouch can hold

• Iron or vitamin B12 deficiencies (if they occur) can lead to anemia

• Calcium deficiency (if it occurs) can contribute to the development of early osteoporosis or other bone disorders

You can lessen these symptoms by following your dietitian's guidelines very carefully, especially during the first two months after surgery.