Introduction to gastric bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that both restricts the stomach and effects food absorption in the small intestine. The stomach is divided to reduce the amount of food the patient is capable of consuming at one time and the small intestine is rearranged to change the way foods are absorbed by the body.

Because the body will only be able to absorb a small percentage of the calories from the food ingested, patients experience rapid weight loss due to gastric bypass surgery. Unfortunately, patients also run the risk of developing mineral or vitamin deficiencies. These deficiencies will be avoided as long as patients follow the diet plan and take nutritional supplements as outlined by their surgeons.

Gastric bypass is a popular surgical weight loss option because of its dramatic results. Patients should expect to loose around 75% of their excess body weight within the first two years following the procedure.

Gastric bypass surgery is performed as either an open or keyhole surgery. Open surgeries involve one long incision, while keyhole surgeries involve several smaller incisions that are used to insert instruments into the abdomen. While both surgeries are common, keyhole surgeries are more popular due to the reduction in recovery time compared to open surgeries.

During the procedure, a portion of the patient’s stomach will be stapled off, so that it cannot be used to store food. This means that patients will only be able to consume a limited amount of food at one time. The rest of the stomach will not be effected by the procedure.

The surgeon will then staple the small intestine and attach one end to the stomach opening. This will result in food moving more slowly through the stomach and small intestine. The opposite end of the small intestine will then be attached to the lower intestine.

The re-routing of the intestines and portioning off of the stomach means that less calories will be absorbed. This leads to rapid weight loss in patients who receive gastric bypass surgery. Unfortunately, this also means that vitamins and nutrients will not be easily absorbed. Patients must commit to taking nutritional supplements in order to maintain their health.

The surgeon will use staples or medical glue to close the incisions in the patient’s abdomen and recovery will begin.

Patients will remain connected to several machines until the anaesthetic has worn off and the patient is fully conscious. This will include heart rate and breathing monitors.

Once the surgical staff is satisfied with the patient’s condition, they will be moved to a private room or ward. The patient will remain attached to several tubes, including an IV that will help maintain hydration. A tube will be threaded down the throat and into the stomach to help release any excess fluid or air caused by the surgical procedure. In some cases, tubes may be attached at incision sites to aid in the draining of excess fluids.

The tubes will be removed once the patient is capable of standing up and taking in fluids. Patients will be encouraged by medical staff to move around as soon as possible following the procedure. This is to ensure blood clots do not form in the legs. Heparin will be injected into the body in order to thin the blood, this will also aid in the avoidance of blood clots.

Patients remain at the hospital for at least two days to ensure that they are healing properly. They will be discharged from the hospital as soon as the surgeons and specialist team feel they are ready.

Once at home, patients will begin a two week liquid only diet. This allows the body to adjust to the changes in the digestive system. It also allows the patient time to understand how the changes to their stomach and small intestine will effect their eating habits. Afterwards, they may slowly begin to introduce solid foods into their body.

Pain and swelling in the stomach are a side effect of the surgery, but patients will receive painkillers to help alleviate discomfort. Drowsiness or chronic tiredness may also be a side effect of the anaesthetics and medications. Patients should get plenty of rest before attempting to drive, return to work, or care for children. A minimum period of two weeks recovery is recommended, but it will take six to eight weeks before the stomach and intestines are fully healed.

Patients must take all medications and nutritional supplements as described. It is also vital that they follow the diet and exercise plan agreed upon by their surgeon. This will ensure their experience with gastric bypass surgery is positive and successful.