Gastric bypass surgery

This method limits the amount of calories the body can absorb by restricting calorie intake and malabsorption disorders. In 1967, the first gastric bypass surgery was performed by Ito and Mason at the University of Iowa. Then this approach changed to its current form over the years. This method will not only lead to weight loss by malabsorption, but will also lead to weight loss through restrictive techniques and the creation of a smaller usable stomach. In this procedure, surgeons are able to bypass a small part of the small intestine and a large part of the stomach.

What is gastric bypass?

In gastric bypass surgery, there are two goals, the first is that the person craves less food and the second is that the food eaten is less absorbed by the body. In this method, two parts of the gastrointestinal tract are operated on, which include shrinking the stomach and shortening the small intestine. Failure of nutrients to pass through the excised parts of the letter ensures that they are not affected by secretory enzymes from these areas and as a result are not decomposed and less absorbed. Today, with the help of another method of gastric bypass surgery called Roux-en-Y (RYGP), the gastrointestinal tract and stomach are shortened in another way. First, by creating a sac at the beginning of the stomach, they shrink it, and then the lower part of the small intestine is attached to the end of the sac to allow food to pass through the new path. Of course, the beginning of the small intestine is reconnected in a y-shape to the beginning of the new intestine so that the secretions and mucus of these parts also enter the digestive tract.

Why is gastric bypass surgery performed?

Stomach bypass surgery is performed to help reduce excess weight and reduce the potential risks associated with obesity. Obesity has risks and consequences, including:

 Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

  Heart disease.

  High blood pressure.

  Chronic sleep apnea.

  Type 2 diabetes.

  Stroke.

Who is gastric bypass surgery suitable for?

But gastric bypass surgery is not suitable for everyone who is overweight. To be a good option for weight loss surgery, you need to follow medical instructions. Extensive screening procedures will likely be performed to ensure that the individual is eligible for bypass surgery. In addition, a person undergoing gastric bypass surgery must be able to make permanent changes in their life in order to live a healthier life. In addition, long-term plans will be needed to track and control a person’s nutrition, lifestyle, behaviors, and physical condition.

In general, gastric bypass surgery and other weight loss surgeries can be a good option for you if you have the following conditions:

 Your body BMI is 40 or higher (severe obesity).

  Your body BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity).

  The person has serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.

Complications of gastric bypass surgery

Patients to whom this treatment is suitable, are always afraid of the consequences and complications of this operation. Our advice to this group of patients is to know that the risks and complications of this surgery are not more than other operations; Because each of us at any time in our lives, we may have to perform various surgeries for reasons such as: appendicitis, fractures, cesarean section and ،, but given that in this method the stomach and intestines will be cut and sewn A specific complication of this operation is the possibility of leakage from the suture site, which is seen in 1% of cases. If this complication occurs, the length of hospital stay may be longer and surgery may be required, but other complications are the same as other surgeries.

Like any other surgery, gastric bypass surgery and other weight loss surgeries have long-term and short-term risks. Risks associated with gastric bypass surgery include.

 Excessive bleeding

  Infection

  Reverse reaction to anesthesia

  Blood clots

  Respiratory and pulmonary problems

  Leakage into the digestive system

  Death (in rare cases)

The long-term risks and consequences of weight loss surgery depend on the type of surgery. These long-term risks include:

 Ileus

  Dumping syndrome, which causes diarrhea, nausea or vomiting

  Gallstones

  Low blood sugar

  Malnutrition

  Perforation of the stomach

  Ulcers

  Vomit

  Death (in rare cases)

Benefits of gastric bypass surgery

 The most effective method of surgery is obesity.

  Returns are less common.

  Type 2 diabetes is treated and in more than 70% of cases diabetes is treated or the need for insulin and medication is reduced.

  It can be done between the ages of 18 and 70.

  The operation is performed through a laparoscope and there is no surgical incision, so there is no uncontrollable pain.

  For whatever reason the digestive system needs to return to its original state, it is possible to return to its original state.

Measures after gastric bypass surgery

The recovery time from gastric bypass surgery depends on the size of the incision made. If the surgery was performed laparoscopically, the person should stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days. If the surgery is open, the hospital stay may take longer. The pain from the incision is easily controlled with medication in the days after surgery. The surgeon will most likely recommend standing and walking on the same day of surgery at least three times a day. Prior to discharge from the hospital, instructions for postoperative gastric bypass surgery are given along with the necessary prescription to take more careful care during the recovery period.

There will be a lot of restrictions on food and drink for you after the bypass surgery. In addition, regular medical check-ups are performed in the first few months. As your body responds to rapid weight loss in the first 3 to 6 months, you may notice changes in your body, including these signs and symptoms:

 body pain

  Feeling tired, like you have the flu

  Feeling cold

  skin dryness

  Hair thinning or hair loss

  Mood swings

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