Gastric bypass surgery is a very
successful alternative to normal dieting for the obese and
overweight, and is an operation that makes the stomach smaller and
causes food to bypass part of the small intestine. As a result, a
person feels fuller quicker when eating compared to before gastric
bypass surgery. The amount of food consumed is less and therefore
fewer calories are absorbed - the end result being weight loss.
There are several forms of
gastric bypass surgery:
Roux-en-Y Bypass: This is
probably the most common gastric bypass being done today. This
procedure involves making a small gastric pouch high in the abdomen
and just below the esophagus. A segment of small bowel is then
divided and attached to this pouch, sometimes behind the colon and
remainder of the stomach. The remainder of the small bowel is then
attached to the bowel leading from the liver and pancreas in a shape
that resembles a ‘Y’. Despite its popularity, there are some risks
associated, including a narrowing at the connection between the
stomach pouch and the small intestine which may require stretching
at the opening, and the risk of a slowing down of the emptying of
the pouch and small bowel, causing nausea and vomiting.
Mini Gastric Bypass: This
gastric bypass was developed by Dr. Robert Rutledge in 1997. The
mini gastric bypass creates a small gastric pouch much lower in the
abdomen than the previous technique and incorporates a loop
connection with the small bowel that provides for a malabsorption
effect similar to that used by the Roux-en-y bypass. A patient who
has undergone a mini gastric bypass must be careful to avoid calcium
and iron deficiencies. Risks from this operation include leaking,
bowel obstruction, blood clots, and pneumonia.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass:
A Roux en-Y gastric bypass performed laparoscopically. Even though
this operation takes slightly longer than the standard Roux en- Y,
the recovery time is shorter.
Gastric Banding: This
gastric operation also limits food intake by placing a constricting
ring completely around the upper end (fundus) of the stomach,
creating a shape similar to that of an hour-glass.
Gastric bypass is not an
operation for everyone who is obese, as it is a major procedure that
poses significant risks and side effects that can require permanent
alterations to one’s lifestyle. However the contented customers are
numerous – including many figure-conscious celebrities.
Paul MacIver writes articles on
health related topics. Visit the
Gastric Bypass information website to read more about
Gastric Bypass Surgery and
Bariatric Surgery. You may freely reprint this article as long
as nothing is changed, and bio is included with all links intact.
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