Gastric bypass is one of the most common types of weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery. This surgery is recommended for obese individuals whose BMI is above 35 and up to 40. This surgery is useful for those who have already tried all other means of weight loss such as diet, exercise, medicines, and so on, but unable to lose weight.
Pre-Procedure
- Prior to the procedure the surgeon examines the patient completely and evaluates his or her medical history.
- The patient should inform the doctor about all the medicines they are taking including supplements and herbal medicines as well.
- The patient should inform the doctor whether he or she is allergic to certain medicines, compounds, latex, rubber, anesthetic agents, etc.
- The patient should also inform the doctor whether they have any blood clotting or bleeding disorders.
- The surgeon will advise the patient to stop any blood thinning agents such as coumadin or aspirin.
- The patient should stop heavy physical activity and exercise and also smoking.
- The patient is subjected to an array of tests to ensure that he or she is medically fit for the surgery.
During the Procedure
In this type of surgical procedure, the surgeon divides the stomach into a small portion and a large portion, and then staples or sewn the smaller portion into a pouch, which can hold very small size of food – may be around a cup or so – and therefore, the patient who underwent this procedure tends to eat less. In the next step, the surgeon leaves the major portion – the large portion and duodenum off, and then connects this pouch with the small intestine down the jejunum (Roux-en-Y). As a result of this technique, the food moves directly from the smaller pouch of the stomach into the jejunum bypassing the large portion of the stomach and duodenum as well. Owing to which calories and nutrients will absorb less than usual (malabsorptive). This procedure is known as Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass. The surgery can be done both laparoscopically or as an open surgery.
Post Procedure
The patient will stay in the hospital for two to three days. The patient will remain on clear liquids the first day after surgery. And after two days and before leaving the hospital the patient can eat protein shakes and pureed foods – and should continue doing so for the next four weeks. After this, the patient gradually starts eating soft foods. The following points should be kept in mind while having food:
- The food should ne chewed thoroughly prior to swallowing the food.
- Eat slowly and avoid drinking water while eating food.
- Drink water only after finishing meal – after 30 minutes of completing meals.
- Don’t drink caffeinated beverages, sodas and high-calorie drinks.
- Don’t eat high calories snacks.
- The supplements, vitamins and minerals should be taken on a regular basis.
Risk & Complications
Good qualified, trained and expert physicians reduce the risks and complications after the surgery and during the surgery as well. The patient will be informed about all the possible benefits and risks of the procedure prior to undergoing the surgery. Surgical procedures are associated with risks and complications such as post-surgical site infections, leak along the staple line, adverse reaction to anesthetic, bleeding, blood clotting and collection of fluid in the lungs, nausea, vomiting, malabsorption, digestive problems, variations in blood sugar levels, irregular bowels, ulcers and damage to the stomach. The patient may develop nutritional deficiencies – owing to which he or she must have to take supplements for life.