Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery uses a combination of restriction and malabsorption. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. Having the smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patients body absorbs fewer calories.
Excess Weight Loss:
Gastric bypass patients typically lost 61.6 percent of their excess weight.
Health Benefits:
Studies found that gastric bypass:
- Resolved type 2 diabetes in 83.8% of patients and often resolved the disease within days of surgery.
- Resolved high blood pressure in 75.4% of patients.
- Improved high cholesterol in 95% of patients.
Quality of Life:
One meta-analysis stated that bariatric surgery patients who experienced significant weight loss had:
- Overall quality of life improved greatly.
- They experienced improved physical functioning and appearance.
- They experienced improved social and economic opportunities.
Recovery:
One study found that gastric bypass patients were able to:
- Leave the hospital after two days
- Return to work after 21 days
Potential Concerns of Gastric Bypass:
A condition known as dumping syndrome can occur from eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. While it isnt considered a health risk, the results can be very unpleasant and may include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea.
Patients must supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin and calcium. Some patients must take vitamin B12 and/or iron.
The stomach, duodenum, and parts of the small intestine cannot be seen easily using X-ray or endoscopy if there are problems after surgery such as ulcers, bleeding, or malignancy.
