Gastric Bypass
The process of Gastric Bypass
This surgery is performed using laparoscopic technique under general anaesthesia. Four to six incisions sized 1 cm are made the abdominal area, these allow the surgeon to insert the laparoscope, small surgical tools, and a tube used to pump gas into the abdomen which enables the surgeon to reach the stomach and the surrounding tissue. Some of the tools are used for viewing while the others are used for operating. The stomach is separated into two parts, both stays inside and the newly constructed stomach is tied to the small intestine.
Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most effective surgical methods used in treatment of obesity. This process causes the stomach to become smaller and reduces the rate of fat absorption. Like in all surgeries, the patient is examined prior to the operation to see if they fit the criteria to ensure safety and effective post surgery results.
Preparation before the surgery
A diet program is provided beforehand so as to reduce the size of the liver, ensure weight loss and to ensure risks are reduced to a minimum. If the patient is a smoker and consumes alcohol, they would have to be stopped for a while. This is crucial for the healing process after surgery. The patient must not eat for 10 hours and must not consume liquids for 8 hours prior to surgery.
Different methods used for Gastric Bypass
The most commonly used method in gastric bypass is the roux-en-y technique. This method causes the least nutritional problems, a new stomach pouch is constructed which is smaller than one tea cup and the existing stomach is deactivated. Roux-en-y technique is another method where one end of the intestine is merged with the other end of the intestine where food comes. This method ensures faster weight loss. However, this method may cause more issues regarding nutrition such as bad smell when releasing gas. Loop gastric bypass is the third technique where the intestine is directly merged with the stomach without being cut in half. However, it is the least preferred one as it may cause serious inflammation and ulcers.
What to expect after the surgery?
The patients need to stay at the hospital for 3 to 5 days after the operation. During this period, all the medical care and check-ups necessary are performed. The given nutritional recomendations by your physician must be followed during this process and the consumption of soda-based beverages along with fast food must be stopped entirely. A dietician’s nutritional plan must be followed for the next three months to ensure proper results.
How to avoid Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is a condition in which food, especially food high in sugar, moves from your stomach into your small bowel too quickly after you eat. This is due to consuming carb-based foods in huge quantities. Dumping syndrome most often occurs mostly as a result of surgery on your stomach or esophagus. Dumping syndrome is seen in 75% of the patients who get the surgery. For the first two years, it occurs more frequently after which it reduces. The syndrome is associated with the feeling of stomach ache, cramps and fainting. To avoid suffering the consequences of this syndrome, the patient must eat small amounts frequently. Liquid intake before eating solid foods should br avoided. Carb-based food intake must be limited; in fact, it must be avoided altogether. Protein consumption must be increased. If these conditions are met, the symptoms of dumpling syndrome can be reduced.
