Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Some Essential Facts About 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.

The purpose of a small upper pouch is to limit the amount of food that can be consumed. It is important to partition the stomach completely so as to ensure the two separate portions do not reunite in the course of healing as this will render the surgery meaningless. Laparoscopy is the most common and current technique used in the operation mainly because of minimal invasion.

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.

Peritonitis or abscesses are complications that are likely to occur as a result of making surgical incisions in the abdomen. Observing sterile measures and diligent wound care are some of the practices that keep infections at bay. Nosocomial infections such as sepsis and pneumonia can be treated through use of antibiotics as a short term form of management.

Blood tends to clot more during an operation to counter the bleeding that occurs as result of incisions made. The clots frequently form in leg veins and sometimes the pelvis for the very obese patient. Unfortunately, the blood clots may get dislodged and travel to the lungs posing a serious threat to the health of the individual. Anticoagulants are usually given preoperatively to minimise chance of venous thromboembolism.

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.

There are a number of downsides though. People who have undergone gastric bypass experience both emotional and physiologically changes. They may get depressed as a result of having to adjust their food intake. With low intake of food, they may end up with low energy levels and muscle weakness. Consequently, they are likely to face challenges in carrying out strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects or even climbing stairs. Fortunately, these issues get resolved over time as food consumption gradually increases.




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