Should You Choose Gastric Bypass Surgery for Weight Loss?

Recent years have seen a rise in the number of people turning to surgery to help them deal with weight loss; this type of procedure is often referred to as bariatric. One of the most common options is gastric bypass surgery because this is believed to be the easiest to perform and causes the least risk of complications. Although this is becoming a more common procedure it is by no means risk-free; there can be complications. It is also important to realize that this type of procedure will not do away with the need for a sensible diet and regular exercise.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric Bypass surgery involves changing your digestive system in such a way that you are no longer able to eat as much as you once did. It involves making a small pouch out of the top of your stomach and connecting this directly to your small intestine. This means that any food you eat will bypass most of the stomach and go directly to the intestines where it can begin being absorbed. The purpose of doing this is that when people now eat they feel full a lot sooner. If they feel they have had enough to eat from less food than before they will then be ingesting fewer calories and so should soon begin to lose weight.

Like other forms of surgery there are risks associated with the gastric bypass. The most common risks include;

- Post-operative infection

- Reaction to the Anesthetic

- Accidental trauma during the procedure

- Excessive blood loss

- Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pleural Effusion

- Dehydration

- Food intolerance

- Stomach ulcers

- Insufficient vitamins and minerals in the diet

Choosing Between Open or Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery

The choice between open or laparoscopic will depend on a number of different factors. Open surgery involves making a quite large incision into the abdominal area so that the surgeon can perform the bypass. Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery involves creating only small holes in your abdomen and using specialized equipment and small cameras to allow the surgeon to perform the procedure. Laparoscopic surgery is seen as the option with the less risk of post-op complications; it is not always possible to do things this way though.

Who Should Have Gastric Bypass Surgery?

There are risks associated with gastric bypass surgery and so should probably only be considered as a last resort. In the UK it is only recommended for people with a BMI greater than 40 and who are healthy enough to deal with the procedure. Those considering gastric bypass surgery should be highly motivated and willing to follow the post-operative diet and exercise regime.

Sources

NHS Choices - Obesity Surgery (accessed 27^th August 2010)

Mayo Clinic - Gastric Bypass Surgery (accessed 27^th August 2010)

Web MD - Gastric bypass (accessed 27^th August 2010)