Are you also someone who suffers a lot from obesity? Maybe you have done nothing to lose weight. You have tried various diet plans, fasted, and exercised, and you are tired. But you still do not have the desired results? Then you have probably heard about weight loss surgeries, especially the "gastric bypass" surgery. So today, let's talk about this, as if we were talking to a friend, and everything is clear.
Simply put, what is gastric bypass surgery?
This is a surgery that is done to lose weight and improve your metabolism. Some people also call it ``Roux-en-Y''. In simple terms, this surgery makes a small change to your digestive system. This change limits the amount of food you can eat and reduces the amount of calories your body absorbs from food.
Think about it, this will do two main things:
1. Stomach reduction: A small pouch about the size of an egg is created from the top of your stomach. The rest of your large stomach remains the same. This means you can eat only a small amount of food at a time. You still feel full even after eating a small amount.
2. Bypass: A small portion of your small intestine is connected to this newly created stomach. This means that the food you eat bypasses the large part of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This bypass reduces the body's ability to fully absorb the nutrients and calories in the food.
This process is why it is called "bypass" surgery.
Can this surgery really be done by everyone? Or who is it suitable for?
No, this is not a surgery for everyone. Doctors only recommend it for people who are clinically severely obese . It can also help control other diseases caused by obesity (such as Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and GERD).
Generally, to qualify for this surgery, you must have the following conditions:
| Eligibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe obesity (Class III Obesity) | Your body mass index, or BMI, must be 40 or higher. |
| Obesity and other diseases | If your BMI is 35 or higher, you must also have at least one medical condition caused by obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. |
| Uncontrolled diabetes | If you have type 2 diabetes that is difficult to control due to obesity and your BMI is over 30 , your doctor may recommend this surgery. |
But remember, you can't just have this surgery if you have the qualifications. Your doctor and medical team will examine you carefully to see if you are mentally and physically ready for this.
Other things doctors look at before surgery
- Your commitment to lifestyle changes: This isn't magic. After surgery, you'll need to change your eating habits for life . They'll see if you're ready for that.
- Physical and mental preparation: Blood and heart tests will be done to see if you can tolerate the surgery. Your mental state will also be checked.
- Trying other methods: Sometimes, organizations, such as insurance companies, may also ask if you have followed a diet and exercise regimen under the supervision of a doctor before surgery.
How much weight will be lost with the surgery?
This is a problem for many people. You will lose a significant amount of weight within the first year or two after surgery. On average, you will lose about 70% of your excess weight. Some people may gain a little weight over time, but even after about 20 years, there are people who have maintained an average of about 50% of their excess weight. That is a really great success.
How is the surgery done?
Nowadays, this surgery is often performed using a technique called laparoscopy . This is also called "keyhole surgery." This means that instead of making a large incision in the abdomen, the surgery is performed through 3-5 very small incisions, through which a camera and special instruments are inserted. This results in less bleeding, less pain, and faster recovery.
The surgery can take between 2 and 4 hours. You will need to stay in the hospital for about two days afterwards.
What are the risks and possible complications of this?
As with any surgery, there are some risks involved. Since this is a major surgery, it is very important to be aware of them.
| Risk type | Description |
|---|---|
| Short-term risks (related to surgery) | |
| Infections | Germs entering cuts. |
| Heavy bleeding | Excessive bleeding during or after surgery. |
| Reactions to anesthesia | Adverse reactions of the body to anesthesia medications. |
| Long-term complications | |
| Dumping Syndrome | Symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, and sweating occur as food moves quickly through the small intestine. This can happen especially when eating foods high in sugar and flour. |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Reduced absorption of nutrients can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies (e.g., iron, calcium, vitamin B12), requiring lifelong vitamin supplements. |
| Gallstones | There is a risk of developing gallstones when losing weight quickly. |
| Hernia | A bowel-like organ protruding from the incision site. |
| Weight gain again | If you don't follow your doctor's instructions properly and don't control your diet, your stomach may gradually enlarge and you may gain weight again. |
How is life after the surgery?
This is the most important part. The surgery is just the beginning of the journey.
Recovery time
You will need to rest at home for a few weeks. You will not be able to do heavy work for about a month and a half. It may take about 2-3 months to start eating solid foods normally. In the beginning, it is normal to feel tired, lose hair, and have body aches .
Diet - This is the biggest difference!
You will be given a special diet plan to follow for the rest of your life.
- Starting with liquid foods: The first few weeks are spent on things like liquids and soups. Then gradually move on to mashed, soft foods.
- Protein is the most important thing in your diet: Protein (fish, meat, eggs, lentils) should be the main ingredient. This is essential for keeping your muscles strong.
- Avoid foods high in sugar and flour: You need to limit things like sugar, sweets, bread, and rice. These can cause the aforementioned ``Dumping Syndrome''.
- Drinking plenty of water: You should drink about 2 liters of water a day. But it is not good to drink it while eating. You should drink it 30 minutes before or after eating.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements: This is a must . You have to take the vitamins prescribed by your doctor every day for the rest of your life.
Remember, this surgery is just a powerful tool in your health journey. But you need to work with it to make it work. It won't work without your commitment.
Ultimately, gastric bypass surgery is a serious decision. But when combined with the diseases that can result from severe obesity, it can be a life-changing, healthier way to live. If you're considering it, be sure to meet with a specialist to discuss the pros and cons of the procedure with your doctor and make a decision.
Take-Home Message
- Gastric bypass surgery is a very successful treatment for severe obesity.
- This reduces the amount of food you can eat and the number of calories your body absorbs.
- This is not suitable for everyone. A doctor will recommend this based on your BMI and other medical conditions.
- For the surgery to be successful, you will need to change your diet and lifestyle for life .
- As with any surgery, there are risks and complications. Discuss these carefully with your doctor.
- After surgery, it is mandatory to take vitamin and mineral supplements for life.
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