Information on bariatric surgery

Here's some info about the procedures they do, mine is the Roux En Y.


What Exactly IS Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is an extreme weight loss procedure that is performed in two steps. First, a small stomach pouch is created to decrease the amount of food that the patient can eat at one time. Next, a series of bypasses of the duodenum and certain other parts of the small intestine are created to reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients found in food.


Two Types of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Extensive Gastric Bypass (biliopancreatic diversion) - This is a very extreme procedure because portions of the stomach are actually removed and a small pouch is created and connected directly to the end of the small intestine. This procedure results in a complete bypass of the duodenum and jejunum. Most doctors consider extensive gastric bypass as a weight loss surgery procedure of last resort, because it deprives the body of a great deal of its daily nutritional requirements.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB) - This surgical treatment of obesity is what most people are typically referring to when they talk about Gastric Bypass Surgery. With the RGB procedure, a pouch is created in the stomach by either stapling part of the stomach together, or using a methodology known as “vertical banding”. Next, the doctor creates a Y-shaped section of the small intestine and attaches it to the pouch, bypassing both the duodenum and the first section of jejunum. This procedure reduces the amount of food that can be eaten and it also reduces both the daily caloric intake as well as the nutrient absorption rate.

Because Gastric Bypass Surgery restricts the quantity of food that can be eaten at one time, as well as causing “malabsorption”, which is the reduction of the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients, it is more effective than purely restrictive surgery options such as stomach stapling without the bypass portion. Most Gastric Bypass Surgery patients report reaching at least two-thirds of their weight loss goals within two years of having the surgery.

Risks Associated With Gastric Bypass Surgery

Various health problems resulting from nutritional deficiencies
Unexpected stretching of the pouch which, if left untreated, can eventually return the stomach to its original size
Band erosion which results in the destruction of the bands that are used in creating the pouch
Staple failure, resulting in the stomach returning to its original size
Leakage of stomach acid into the abdomen resulting in damage to other internal organs
Appearance of “dumping syndrome”, which is caused by the contents of the stomach passing too quickly into the small intestine, and can result in nausea, general weakness, excessive sweating, and diarrhea
Understanding the possible effects of nutritional deficiencies caused by Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery can result in anemia if too much vitamin B12 and iron is blocked from being absorbed. Reduced levels of calcium can result in osteoporosis and some bone diseases. Your doctor will prescribe certain supplements that you will be required to take for as long as the Gastric Bypass Surgery remains in place.

Remember that extensive Gastric Bypass Surgery is not a simple “instant fix” for being overweight. The decision to have either of the weight loss surgery procedures done should only be made after thorough consultation with your doctor and the weight loss surgeon who will be performing the procedure. Gastric Bypass Surgery is not a “set and forget” solution. You may require regular medical monitoring appointments as well as being required to eat special foods and take certain supplements or medications for the rest of your life.