Some Essential Facts About Gastric Bypass Surgery

By Pamela Graham


There are many surgical options that are available to help with weight problems. Gastric bypass surgery is one of the operations offered in New York City. As the name suggests, this is a procedure in which the small intestine is used to separate the stomach into two parts, a smaller upper portion and a larger lower portion. The procedure is not only carried out on people suffering from extreme obesity but also benefits those with related to it such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Creating a smaller proximal portion of the stomach helps restrict the quantity of food intake. Gastric bypass procedures (GBP) can employ variable techniques to achieve the desired goal. Laparoscopy is the most common technique employed today. However, open surgery can be done in select cases. Laparoscopy involves making a number of incisions or channels to access given areas of the alimentary canal using a telescope and operating instruments.

It is important to be aware of the complications that may arise so as to assess the risk of the procedure and mortality related to it. Compared to laparoscopy, open surgery is associated with a higher rate of complications. Some of these adverse effects may occur just like in any other major surgery while others may be related specifically to gastric bypass procedures (GBP).

Peritonitis or abscesses are complications that are likely to occur as a result of making surgical incisions in the abdomen. Observing sterile measures and diligent wound care are some of the practices that keep infections at bay. Nosocomial infections such as sepsis and pneumonia can be treated through use of antibiotics as a short term form of management.

Coagulation of blood may occur due to long hours of surgery and reduced mobility. This may be dangerous to the patients as they face the risk of venous thromboembolism. Clots formed in leg veins and sometimes the pelvis may get dislodged to organs such as the lungs. To minimize this risk, anticoagulants are given before the operation is done.

Other complications are general to abdominal surgeries and include hemorrhage, hernias and bowel obstruction. Hemorrhage may occur as a result of accidental cutting of blood vessels. Blood for transfusion should therefore be availed prior to the procedure, in case it is needed. The chance of a hernia occurring is markedly reduced when operation is done laparoscopically. Bowel obstruction may occur either due to hernia or adhesion bands formed due to scarring.

If done successfully, the operation yields remarkable results. Research shows that at least sixty five percent of excess body weight is lost which is far more than can be achieved by any other method. Additionally, the effects of related medical conditions are markedly reduced. For instance, snoring significantly reduces in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and medication requirements in people with essential hypertension are significantly reduced.

Both emotional and physiological changes can be seen in patients who have undergone gastric bypass. This is attributed to the need to adjust their eating habits. The reduced amount of food portions lowers their energy levels. As a result, they end up with muscle weakness (also due to reduce protein intake). They tend to have difficulty in doing things such as climbing stairs or carrying heavy objects. However, with time, they become normal again as food intake increases.




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