As obesity continues to be a rising problem, some people, who have tried to lose weight through traditional methods unsuccessfully, are turning to surgical intervention to help them return to a healthy weight. Gastric Bypass surgery is only for people who are obese or morbidly obese (100+ pounds overweight) as determined by medical standards.
The gastric bypass surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch to decrease food intake and then bypasses parts of the small intestines to prevent some absorption. The combination of decreased intake along with decreased absorption is usually effective and most people lose at least 2/3 of their extra weight within the first 2 years.
Gastric Bypass is a surgical procedure, and there are risks, which include, but are not limited to:
- The pouch stretching, over time, back to the original stomach size
- Nutritional deficiencies that can lead to other health problems
- Band erosion – the band creating the pouch will no longer be there
- Breakdown of staples – essentially reversing the procedure
- Stomach contents leaking into abdomen – causing damage to organs
Complications can occur from the weight loss and speed of digestion, such as nausea, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, and even gallstones.
A reversible option that is becoming more popular is the Lap Band (Gastric Banding), which is an adjustable stomach band surgically inserted. The recovery is quicker than Gastric Bypass surgery. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, problem at band site such as infection, or dehydration. The guidelines for who is a candidate for the procedure are stricter for the Lap band than for the Gastric Bypass.
Consult your medical provider if you think one of these procedures can help you reach a healthy weight.