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Gastric Bypass for Weight Loss Surgery: Things You Need to Know
Gastric bypass is a type of weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery performed to limit food consumption. A small pouch is created to limit the amount of food you can take and bypasses on segments of the small intestine are constructed to reduce its ability to absorb nutrients. The operation usually takes up to four hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia.
How is gastric bypass surgery performed? There are currently two techniques for gastric bypass: (1) Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass or RGB and (2)biliopancreatic diversion bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Roux-en Y gastric bypass or RGB is the most commonly employed procedure in the United States. It is less complicated and is least likely to result in nutritional difficulties. A small stomach pouch is created by stapling part of the stomach together and a Y-shaped section in the small intestine is then attached to the pouch. This limits food intake and reduces the ability to absorb calories and nutrients. This is known as stomach stapling.
RGB can be done in two ways: traditional and laparoscopic Traditional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is performed by open surgery with one long incision. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y uses a laparoscope, a thin instrument that allows the surgeon to view the inside of the abdomen on a TV monitor. This procedure causes less scarring and lets the patient recover faster.
Biliopancreatic diversion bypass
Biliopancreatic diversion bypass is more extensive than Roux-en-Y.This complicated gastric bypass aims for a smaller stomach that holds less food. The procedure removes the lower portion of the stomach and a small pouch is left to connect directly to the final segment of the small intestine. This procedure bypasses both the duodenum and jejunum to cause malabsorption of nutrients. Like traditional RGB, biliopancreatic diversion bypass is performed through open surgery and with one long incision leaving a permanent scar. This procedure is not as widely used as RGB because of the high risk for nutritional deficiencies.
Advantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery
People who undergo bariatric weight loss surgery can achieve significant loss of weight in 2 years. Since a large section of the stomach is bypassed, only a small pouch is left that severely restricts the amount of food that the person can consume. Patients must consume highly nutritious and protein-rich food to meet dietary requirements. Those who undergo the operation will most likely no longer able to tolerate sugars and carbohydrates which contribute to weight loss.
Gastric bypass surgery also has positive effects on weight-related health concerns such as heart diseases and high blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes can also be eradicated by gastric bypass surgery.
Weight Loss Surgical Tactics Bariatric Bypass
Tags: complications, gastric bypass surgery, obesity, statistics, weight loss, weight management
