Gastric bypass surgery is an extreme treatment option for obesity. It involves changing the structure of your digestive tract in a way that causes you to consume less food and limit the amount of calories that are absorbed. However, gastric bypass does not ensure rapid weight loss. To achieve desired results, you must develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and regular exercise.
Definition
Gastric bypass is a weight-loss surgery that works by altering the structure of your digestive tract. It is a treatment option for people who are severely overweight and have not been able to lose weight through the traditional method of a healthy diet and exercise. According to MayoClinic.com, gastric bypass is the most frequently performed weight-loss surgery in the United States. However, it is a major surgery that comes with risks and side effects. Additionally, weight-loss is not guaranteed, as patients must continue to live a healthy lifestyle to achieve desired results.
The Procedure
Most gastric bypasses are done using the Roux-en-Y method. In the Roux-en-Y bypass, your stomach is stapled to create a new pouch about the size of a walnut. Then your small intestine is cut and sewed directly into the pouch. The food you eat now bypasses most of your stomach and the first section of your small intestine. This limits the amount of calories your body can absorb. Additionally, your stomach remains healthy and continues to produce digestive juices.
Another type of gastric bypass is the biliopancreatic diversion, in which most of the stomach and small intestine are removed. However, this method has many more risks and is therefore not often performed.
Losing Weight
Simply undergoing gastric bypass is usually not enough to guarantee results. Your post-operative lifestyle is the key to losing weight. This includes making the proper changes in your diet and exercise routine. After surgery, it is important to follow the gastric bypass diet, which will allow you to recover properly and lose weight in a healthy and safe manner. In addition, make sure to get physical exercise most days of the week.
Results
If you follow your diet and exercise recommendations, you can expect to lose 50 to 60 percent of your excess weight within the first two years following surgery, according to MayoClinic.com. Continuing a healthy lifestyle can help you keep the weight off long-term. Patients who fail to lose weight or regain weight are usually eating too many high-calorie foods. If this is the case, consult your doctor or a registered dietician who can help create a healthy meal plan.
Risks
Being a major surgery, gastric bypass has many risks. Possible risks that can take place during or soon after the operation include blood clots, infection, blood loss, heart attack, stroke and injuries to your organs. Health problems can also arise over time. These can be minor symptoms like heartburn and vomiting, but can also include severe health conditions including malnutrition, anemia, gallstones, kidney stones, hernias and digestive problems.
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