By Lisa Green


Bariatric surgeries are a group of operations that are performed with the sole aim of achieving weight loss. Those that are commonly performed in New York include banding, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. Weight loss is achieved through reduced food intake (as a result of early satiety), reduced absorption of nutrients or both. We will look briefly at what is involved in the bypass procedure.

Once you have made the decision to have the operation, you need to visit a general surgeon. Ensure that you have a discussion on the pros and cons of having such an operation and determine whether any other options exist. Most doctors hold the view that surgery should be done as a last resort. One needs to first attempt losing their unwanted weight by instituting lifestyle changes.

Candidates that are most likely to benefit from the surgery are those with a body mass index of 40 or more. If one is suffering from a condition that is aggravated by excess weight then a lower value may be accepted. Examples include sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes among others. In these cases, surgery will help not only relieve the symptoms but will also help slow the progression.

The preparation require for the surgery resembles what happens for other major operations. A number of tests have to be conducted to establish that the candidate is ready to be operated on. Some of the most helpful tests at this point in time include hemogram (or full blood count) and renal function tests. There is also a need to stop drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding such as anticoagulants.

The surgeon can choose one of two techniques to do this operation. The first type is known as Roux-en-Y. In the technique, a small incision is first made on the abdominal wall so as to access the stomach. A portion of the stomach is stapled or compressed with a band to reduce its size. A Y-shaped intestinal section is then attached onto the stomach so that a part of the original route is bypassed (hence the name).

Weight loss due to this technique occurs due to a number of mechanisms. A reduction in the stomach size means that you will experience early satiety and a general reduction in the amount of food that is eaten. Another mechanism involved is the reduction in the surface area that is available for absorption of nutrients mainly due to the rerouting of digested food.

The second type is called extensive gastric bypass. As the name suggest, this technique is quite radical. In this technique, the lower part of the stomach is cut and discarded and the remaining upper part joined to the last segment of intestines which means that a large segment is bypassed. Since it is mostly considered when there is biliary obstruction, it is also known as biliopancreatic diversion surgery.

Even as you plan to have the bypass, there are a number of potential risks that you should be aware of. Reduced absorption of useful nutrients is the most commonly encountered. It is especially severe in the case of extensive gastric bypass. Dumping syndrome is a collection of symptoms associated with rapid movement of food through the gut once the procedure has been performed. They include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating and weakness among others.




About the Author:



0 comments :