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Essential Principles On Gastric Bypass Surgery

By Pamela Graham


There are a number of surgical interventions for weight loss for New York City residents. Gastric bypass surgery describes the process of dividing the stomach into two parts and then reconnecting the two using the small intestine. A typical patient who qualifies for this kind of surgery are those suffering from serious weight issues, particularly those whose body mass index is beyond 40. Diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea are some of the co morbidities for which this procedure has been shown to be beneficial.

Creating a smaller proximal portion of the stomach helps restrict the quantity of food intake. Gastric bypass procedures (GBP) can employ variable techniques to achieve the desired goal. Laparoscopy is the most common technique employed today. However, open surgery can be done in select cases. Laparoscopy involves making a number of incisions or channels to access given areas of the alimentary canal using a telescope and operating instruments.

Complications are bound to arise either in the course of the procedure or post operatively. The complications may be specific to bariatric surgeries or may be general to all other major abdominal procedures. It is important to know what complications to expect in order to weigh the risks and mortality of the same. Laparoscopic procedures are usually more preferred since it comes with less risk compared to open operations.

Bacteria present in the bowel may be released during the procedure, putting the patient at risk of infections. Additionally, the open incisions made expose one to infections, especially if sterility is not well observed. Hospital acquired infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, kidney and bladder infections may also occur. Short term use of antibiotics and focused respiratory therapy can help in management.

Coagulation of blood may occur due to long hours of surgery and reduced mobility. This may be dangerous to the patients as they face the risk of venous thromboembolism. Clots formed in leg veins and sometimes the pelvis may get dislodged to organs such as the lungs. To minimize this risk, anticoagulants are given before the operation is done.

One of the most important preparations before surgery is availing blood for transfusion in case need arises. This is because uncontrollable bleeding may ensue as a result of a cut major vessel. Another complication, hernia formation, may be due to failure of surgical incisions to heal well. To minimize this, most operations are usually carried through laparoscopy. Hernias are also likely to compress and cause bowel obstruction.

The complications notwithstanding, gastric bypass procedures come with a number of advantages. First, a weight loss of at least sixty percent is obtained. Secondly, as a result of losing the excess weight, related morbidities are reduced. In one research, it was shown that type two diabetes is relieved in over ninety percent of patients.

Both emotional and physiological changes can be seen in patients who have undergone gastric bypass. This is attributed to the need to adjust their eating habits. The reduced amount of food portions lowers their energy levels. As a result, they end up with muscle weakness (also due to reduce protein intake). They tend to have difficulty in doing things such as climbing stairs or carrying heavy objects. However, with time, they become normal again as food intake increases.




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