Gastric Bypass
Gastric Bypass has historically been the most widespread procedure for morbid obesity. It has proven effective on the long term, as it has been performed for almost 50 years.
How It Works
In Gastric Bypass, a part of the stomach is disconnected from the majority of the stomach and then connected to the small intestine, only slightly farther down (100-150 cm). As a result, the body absorbs fewer calories causing the patient to feel satiety, thus lose weight.
The procedure takes around an hour and a half to two hours and a half. The patient is discharged after two days and the full recovery takes a week.
Advantages
- The patient loses 70-80% of the excess weight
- Up to 80% lower blood sugar, up to 90% lower blood pressure, and up to 95% lower cholesterol levels
- Highly safe with short recovery period
Side Effects
- It is likely that the patient will feel nausea or vomiting of various intensities, lightheadedness, sweating, and palpitations, which may last six months to two years
- Hernias and bowel obstruction by 3-5% could occur
- Nutritional deficiencies; which requires adherence to life-long vitamin/mineral supplementation
Cautions
The Gastric Bypass changes the anatomical form of the digestive tract, which leads to poor absorption of food. This causes the patient to adhere to life-long supplementation and constant medical guidance.
Recovery
- The patient should have three regular meals in addition to one meal rich in protein
- The patient should ensure that he/she gets enough fluids throughout the day
- The patient should chew his/her food well enough
- The patient should eat soft foods for a month after the surgery
- The patient should stop eating once he/she feels satiety
- The patient should exercise regularly
