Weight loss surgery alters your digestive system, thereby limiting the amount of food you can eat. This kind of operation can help you lose weight and may lower the risk of medical problems associated with obesity. Many surgeons prefer bariatric gastric bypass because it generally has fewer complications than other kinds of weight loss surgery. It must be emphasized that gastric bypass is major surgery with risks and side effects and will require permanent changes in one's lifestyle. Before going ahead with bariatric gastric bypass, it's important to understand what's involved and what lifestyle changes will have to be made.
Broadly speaking, gastric bypass surgery is for those individuals who are extremely overweight, are unable to reach a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and have health problems as a result.
A person may qualify for bariatric surgery if they fall into the following categories:
* A BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher, known as morbid obesity.
* A BMI of 35 to 39.9 (obesity), with the addition of a serious weight-related health problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
It's important to keep in mind that gastric bypass weight loss surgery will not replace the need for adhering to a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. The long-term success of this operation depends in part on a commitment to exercise, changinf eating habits and adjusting other lifestyle factors that have contributed to excess weight in the past.
Here are some types of gastric bypass surgery:
Lap-Band adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The surgeon uses an inflatable band to divide the stomach into two parts by wrapping the band around the upper part of your stomach. When pulled tight, the band restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.
Sleeve gastrectomy. For patients with a BMI over 50, the surgeon may recommend a sleeve gastrectomy instead of gastric bypass. In this procedure, the stomach is changed to be shaped like a tube, which restricts the amount of calories your body absorbs.
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. In this procedure, the surgeon removes about 80 percent of the stomach, forming a thin sleeve-like stomach.
Vertical banded gastroplasty. This operation, also referred to as stomach stapling, divides the stomach into two parts — limiting space for food and forcing you to eat less. Using a surgical stapler, the surgeon divides the stomach into an upper and a lower section. There is no bypass with this procedure.
Roux-en-Y: In this procedure, the stomach is stapled to create a small pouch and a passage for food to bypass a section of the small intestine.
Before being approved for gastric bypass surgery, patients are put through an exhaustive screening process. Not all people who desire gastric bypass are emotionally or physically qualified for it. After being evaluated by a surgeon, a dietitian and a psychologist, a decision is made. Surgery is only approved when the benefits are greater than the possible risks.
It's important to follow your doctor's directions in preparing for gastric bypass surgery. This includes restrictions on eating and drinking, starting a program of physical activity.
After the surgery, major lifestyle changes will be required, and if the patient does not stick to these guidelines, the surgery may ultimately fail. Weight loss surgery will not produce a miracles. Rather, success after gastric bypass surgery depends on a person's commitment to making long-term changes in eating, exercise and lifestyle habits.
