The
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is generally considered to be
one of the most popular surgical procedure for patients with
a very high BMI. With this procedure, 75% of patients are expected to lose 75 - 80% of their excess body weight. As weight decreases and lifestyle habits improve, most patients realize drastic improvement in other areas of their health as well, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and more.
The surgeon sections off a portion of the stomach to create a small pouch about the size of a golf ball and creates a stoma, which is a small opening between the stomach and intestine. The small size of the stomach allows the patient to feel full after eating only a small amount of food. The stoma delays the emptying of the stomach, allowing the patient to feel fuller longer.
A portion of the small intestine is divided and attached to the newly created stomach pouch, creating the Roux limb. This Roux limb "bypasses" the original stomach and longer portion of the small intestine. Since calories are absorbed in the small intestine, bypassing a lengthy portion of it means the patient's body absorbs fewer calories.
Gastric Bypass Benefits:
75% of patients are expected to lose 75 to 80% of their excess
body weight. Well over 70 to 80% of patients with hypertension will
be off medications and well over 90% of patients with type II
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus are expected to be off
medication. Drastically improved, if not completely resolved
includes sleep apnea, asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux,
fatigue, shortness of breath and an overall increased sense of
well-being.
There is expected to be a significant reduction in risks of heart
disease, pulmonary disease and cancers. Morbid obesity can reduce
the lifespan as much as 20% in a given patient, depending on their
age and co morbid problems. There is also a significantly improved
quality of life and self-esteem in patients who have undergone
gastric bypass procedure for weight loss.
Gastric Bypass Risks:
If you are considering having the gastric bypass
surgical procedure done, it is important that you understand the
risks involved. At the time a decision is made to have the surgery,
you will be asked to sign a consent form stating you understand all
the risks involved. You are encouraged to ask any questions at the
time of your consultation. Some of the risks are as
follows:
Bleeding
and/or Infections
Follow-up surgeries to correct complications, or to
remove excess skin
Gallstones due to significant weight loss in a short
amount of time
Gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the
stomach)
Vomiting from eating more than the stomach pouch can
hold
Iron or vitamin B12 deficiencies (if they occur) can
lead to anemia
Calcium deficiency (if it occurs) can contribute to
the development of early osteoporosis or other bone
disorders
You can lessen these symptoms by following your
dietitian's guidelines very carefully, especially during
the first two months after surgery.
