Benefits of Gastric Bypass surgery

Given the fact that more than one lakh bypass surgeries are performed each year in USA alone, it has become the most commonly performed surgery. It can be defined as a restrictive and malabsorptive process. In addition to reducing the size of the stomach, this surgery also reduces the body’s ability to absorb calories.

During this surgery, a part of the patient’s stomach is removed and the left over part is connected to the middle of the small intestine. As a result, the patient has a smaller stomach which helps him to feel fuller faster. As the food bypasses a major part of the stomach, this surgery is called as the gastric bypass surgery. Unlike lap band and laparoscopic gastric sleeve, stapling and cutting is involved in this surgery. Also, the patient has to be admitted to the hospital for at least three days before and after the surgery. A minimum of three months rest is required for recovery after the surgery.

Though there is no denying the fact that there are risks involved with Lapband also but the benefits are much more that they outweigh the risks. In most of the cases, the patient is able to lose more than 75% of their excess weight. The patient starts losing weight soon after the surgery and may continue losing weight for many months after the surgery.

Like gastric band surgery, Gastric sleeve gastrectomy also helps to alleviate other ailments like hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux, fatigue etc. It also decreases the chances of pulmonary diseases, heart diseases and cancer. It also helps to reduce problems due to other ailments and helps to save money. It also helps to increase the physical activities of the patient and also infuses a new self-esteem in the person. In all, it helps the patient to live a longer and healthier life. 

Basic Risks At The Time Of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass is generally considered as a bariatric weight loss option for morbidly obese persons. However, there is hardly any surgery which doesn’t have any risks associated with it. And, so is the case with gastric bypass. If you are going to have this weight loss surgery, it is better to get acquainted with its complications and risks.

Though these may vary from person to person depending on his age, weight and medical history, still some of the common risks are as below:-

The most common complication of the gastric bypass is the dumping syndrome. This generally occurs when rich in sugar and fat foods are consumed. It may further lead to vomiting, nausea, weakness and diarrhea.

Protein and vitamin mal absorption is also very common after this surgery. So, the diet should be rich in vitamins, calcium, iron etc.

Dehiscence is also a common complication faced after this surgery. In this condition, the tissues that were stapled or stitched together get separated. Leaks from the stapled portion are also very common. Leakage of the stomach acid, bacteria and digestive enzymes may cause abscesses and infection.

Gallbladder problems are also common. Gallstones may develop and the person feels pain whenever a gallstone passes. Inflammation of the gallbladder may also occur which may further require surgery for the removal of the gallbladder.

Gastrointestinal inflammation or swelling is also a very common problem after the gastric bypass surgery and can cause problems for several days to the patient. Leaks in the gastrointestinal system may also occur.

Other general complications may vary from abdominal hernia, chest pain, dehydration, stomach obstruction to collapsed lung.

Complications due to anesthesia and medications are always there in bariatric sleeve plication. Many patients have adverse reactions to anesthesia. Sudden overwhelming reactions may also cause death.

Bleeding may also occur and depending on the extent of bleeding, different complications may further arise. It may even lead to the need for emergency surgery transfusion. It may also result in death in some cases. This problem can occur in gastric bypass also.