Are you also someone who suffers from various diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure due to obesity? Perhaps you have exercised, controlled your diet, and done everything you can, but you are still struggling to lose weight. If so, you must have heard of weight loss surgeries, also known as bariatric surgeries. Today we are talking about gastric bypass surgery, one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world.
Simply put, what is gastric bypass surgery?
This is a surgery that is performed to lose weight and also to correct metabolism. This surgery is also known by its French name, “Roux-en-Y”.
Simply put, this surgery involves making changes to your digestive system. It limits the amount of food you eat and reduces the amount of calories your body absorbs. This mainly involves changes to your stomach and small intestine.
Think of your stomach as a big bag. This surgery creates a small pouch, about the size of an egg, on top of that big bag. Then the food we eat goes directly into this little pouch. From there, the food is connected directly to the lower part of your small intestine.
This means that the food you eat now bypasses the large part of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This bypass prevents your body from fully absorbing the nutrients and calories in the food. This is how you lose weight.
Who is this surgery really suitable for?
This surgery is not for everyone. Doctors only recommend it for those who are clinically severely obese. There are usually a few things that must be completed to qualify for this procedure.
| Qualification Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe obesity (Class III Obesity) | If your body mass index (BMI) is more than 40. |
| Obesity and other diseases | If your BMI is over 35 and you have one or more medical conditions caused by obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. |
| Uncontrolled diabetes | This surgery may be recommended if Type 2 Diabetes caused by obesity is difficult to control and the BMI is greater than 30. |
The most important thing is that before you have this surgery, you are committed to changing your lifestyle and eating habits for the rest of your life. This is not a temporary solution.
In addition, a team of doctors and other health specialists will examine you before recommending surgery.
- Are you physically and mentally fit for surgery?
- Checking for alcohol or tobacco use.
- We also consider whether you have tried to lose weight through other methods (exercise, diet) before surgery.
What are the benefits of surgery?
The biggest benefit of this is significant weight loss. Typically, within the first two years after surgery, you can lose about 70% of your excess weight . Although some people gain a little weight over time, you can maintain a long-term weight loss of about 50%.
In addition to weight loss, this surgery also helps control or completely cure many diseases caused by obesity.
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- High cholesterol in the blood (Hyperlipidemia)
- Heart disease
- Fatty liver disease
- Gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Snoring (Obstructive sleep apnea)
- Osteoarthritis
Many people are able to stop or even reduce the medications they take for these diseases.
How is the surgery performed?
Currently, 90% of gastric bypass surgeries are performed laparoscopically . This involves making 3-5 very small (about half an inch) incisions in the abdomen, through which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted. This method results in less pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
The surgery takes between 2 and 4 hours. You will have to stay in the hospital for about two days after the surgery.
Aren't there risks and long-term complications of surgery?
As with any major surgery, there are some risks. However, these are generally uncommon. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the risks are very low.
| Risk Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Short-Term Risks | |
| Risks inherent to surgery | Wound infection, excessive bleeding, reactions to anesthesia. |
| Risks specific to surgery | Hernias, small bowel obstruction, and anastomotic leaks. |
| Long-Term Complications | |
| Dumping Syndrome | When you eat foods high in sugar or flour, they move quickly into the small intestine, causing symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. This can be avoided by controlling your diet. |
| Malnutrition | Because the body's absorption of nutrients is reduced, it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral supplements prescribed by a doctor throughout life. |
| Gallstones | Rapid weight loss increases the risk of gallstones. |
| Weight regain | If eating habits and lifestyle are not changed, over time, the reduced stomach size can grow back and lead to weight gain. |
What is life like after surgery?
This is the most important part. After the surgery, you will have to follow a strict diet plan.
- First few weeks: Liquid diet only.
- Next few weeks: Soft diet.
- After 2-3 months: Gradually introduce solid foods.
It is essential to strictly follow the instructions given by your doctor and nutritionist.
- Protein-rich foods: It is important to eat protein-rich foods (fish, eggs, milk) to keep muscles strong.
- Avoid sugary and starchy foods: Sweetened drinks, cakes, biscuits, and bread should be reduced as much as possible.
- Vitamins and minerals: You should take supplements prescribed by your doctor throughout your life.
- Drink plenty of water: It is important to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. However, avoid drinking water while eating.
During the recovery period from surgery, you may experience temporary side effects such as fatigue, body aches, and hair loss. These will return to normal over time.
Remember, gastric bypass surgery is not magic. It is a powerful tool that will help you lose weight. To get the most out of it, it will require a lot of commitment and effort on your part.
If you are also suffering from obesity, it is very important to talk to your doctor to learn more about this and decide if this is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure for severe obesity and related diseases. It is not a quick fix.
- This surgery can lead to significant weight loss and also helps control conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- The success of the surgery depends on your commitment to lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes.
- After surgery, it is mandatory to take the vitamins and minerals prescribed by the doctor for life.
- You should decide whether this surgery is right for you after discussing it with your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න