Description
This technique creates a very small stomach from which the rest of the stomach is permanently divided and separated. The small intestine is cut about 18 inches below the stomach, and is rearranged so as to provide an outlet to the small stomach, while maintaining the flow of digestive juices at the same time.
The lower part of the stomach is bypassed and food enters the second part of the small bowel within about 10 minutes of beginning the meal. Also, with a smaller stomach, patients suffering from obesity will eat less and thus gain less weight. The overall result is a very early sense of fullness, followed by a very profound sense of satisfaction.
This procedure can be done by making a large incision in the abdomen, or by making several small incisions and using small instruments together with a camera to guide the surgery, known as the laparoscopic approach.
Weight loss of 80 - 100% of excess body weight is achievable for most patients and long-term maintenance of weight loss is very successful, but it does require adherence to a simple and straightforward behavioural regimen.
Anesthesia
Gastric bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Indications
Gastric bypass surgery is indicated to treat morbid obesity and for other secondary health problems. The procedure may be considered for obese individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, or for someone with at least 100 pounds over their recommended weight, or for those who have a BMI of 35 or more along with a life-threatening illness that can be made better with weight loss, such as sleep apnea, diabetes and heart disease.
Risks, Complications, Side effects
The risks of gastric bypass surgery include: vomiting, anaemia, osteoporosis, bleeding and infections, as well as the follow-up surgeries to remove the excess skin.
Post-Operative Care
On average, the hospital stay for gastric bypass surgery is four days, although, certainly there are patients who may require an extra day or two. The doctor will approve hospital discharge once patients can move without too much discomfort, can eat liquid and/or puréed food without vomiting and who no longer require pain medication given by injection.
Patients should participate actively in a behavioural regimen programme and together with the help of a nutritionist, a psychologist and nurses to change their alimentary habits by eating less quantity and eat healthier food.
Recovery Time
Depending on the individual needs, recovery time usually takes a minimum of 3 weeks.