WHY IT WORKS
Gastric bypass surgery works by restricting either the size of a stomach
or reducing nutrient absorption in the digestive tract. The basic
objective is to alter the size of stomach, so the patient feels full
after eating of a small amount of food or liquid. With a notable decrease
in food intake, the patient loses weight until the calories eaten
can keep up at a steady weight.
RISKS OF SURGERY
There is no doubt about it that undergoing gastric bypass surgery
carries significant surgical risks, along with risks of post-operative
complications and a required lifetime modification of diet. Surgical
complications may include:
- infection
- ulcer
- Incisional Hernia
- Stomal Stenosis
- Gallstones
- Blood clots in the lungs
- Death
POST SURGERY COMPLICATIONS
Although gastric bypass surgery can provide significant weight loss,
the effects of the surgery on your lifestyle can also be profound
an may include:
- dumping syndrome
- lactose intolerance
- decreased vitamin absorbsion and need for supplementation
- significant diet restrictions and modifications
- anemia
- osteoporosis
- need for lifelong medical follow up
- thinning hair
- psychological changes
- need for cosmetic surgery
RISKS OF OBESITY
Doing nothing can sometimes be a greater risk so it is important for
people considering gastric bypass surgery to understand obesity health
risks which can include:
- hypertension
- heart problems
- Type II Diabetes
- Gall bladder disease
- Gout
- Sleep Apnea
- Various forms of cancer
- Heartburn
- Athsma
- Incontinence
- Poor quality of life
- Emotional / psychological / sociological issues
- Death
OBESITY HEALTH RISKS MAY IMPROVE AFTER SURGERY
The risks of some obesity related diseases may diminish over time
after undergoing weight loss surgery. Studies have shown that some
patients have experienced:
- Decreased overall mortality risk and health risks
- improvement in hyperlipidemia,
- improvement in hypertension,
- elimination of obstructive sleep apnea
- improved cardiovascular
BALANCING THE RISKS
The decision to undergo weight loss surgery will depend on each individual’s
unique circumstances and weighting the risks of continued obesity
versus the surgical risks of the procedure. No decision should be
made without in-depth consultation with your medical health providers
and bariatric surgeon specialists.
Gastric bypass surgery should always be considered an option of last
resort for morbidy obesity after undergoing traditional diet and exercise
regimes.
