Gastric Bypass
Description
With diabetes and obesity on the rise, many people are looking for various treatments to reduce weight. Gastric bypass is a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach and allows food to skip the small intestine. This leads to reduced calorie consumption resulting in weight loss. A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach using surgical staples or a plastic band. The smaller stomach is then connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. Gastric bypass surgeries are growing in popularity.
Procedure Length
Usually longer than eight hours and may involve more treatments.
Side Effects
Weakness, nausea, sweating, diarrhea, and faintness. These symptoms are made worse by eating high-calorie and highly refined foods (like sweets). Nausea may be a common symptom after eating.
Recovery
You may return to normal activities in three to five weeks. Side effects may occur for many months after surgery.
Risks
Possible risks may include infection from the incision. Also, leaking from the stomach into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected (an infection called peritonitis), and a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). About a third of all patients who do a gastric bypass develop gallstones or a nutritional deficiency condition such as anemia or osteoporosis. It's been noted that around 1.5% people die after surgery for weight loss.
Results
Results are permanent and weight loss begins immediately. Most patients continue to lose weight for twelve months.
Patient Status
Inpatient. Usually requires the patient to stay in the hospital or surgical center for four to six days.
Anesthesia
General.