5 Things to Know about Laparoscopic Bypass Surgery
We as a society are faced with an ever-growing health issue,
this is chronic obesity. This condition is recognized by the
National Institutes of Health as a health issue which is
treatable by surgery. One of the best surgeries that are
available is the Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. However, a
great number of would be patients do not know exactly what the
procedure involves.
1- The Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is, by far, the most
commonly performed surgery in America today. Many in the
bariatric industry have even called it the Gold standard. The
reason for this is because this surgery combines a restrictive
surgery with a malabsorption procedure, the result is quicker
weight loss with less risk of vitamin deficiencies.
2- The Laparoscopic bypass surgery is performed by making a
small pouch from the top section of the existing stomach. The
rest of the stomach is then stapled shut, it is not removed from
the body, but it is no longer used either (this is the
restrictive portion of the surgery). The pouch holds
approximately a quarter of volume as the complete stomach did;
this is one of the ways weight loss is achieved.
3- When the smaller pouch stomach is created, it is directly
connected to the middle portion of the small intestine. By doing
this, the digestive process moves past, the point where calories
are absorbed (the malabsorption part of the procedure). With the
calorie absorption severely limited, the weight loss method is
completed. However, the part of the small intestine that is
bypassed to stop calorie absorption is also the part that
absorbs need nutrients such as vitamin B12 and calcium. If these
deficiencies become too much of an issue, supplements will be
prescribed.
4- The weight loss that many patients experience can be as much
as one to two pounds a week. While this is the intended outcome
of the surgery, it may surprise a great many of the patients who
experience this amount of weight loss. Many times, another
surgery must be performed to remove the excess skin that is left
over from the weight loss.
5- There are risks involved with the Laparoscopic bypass
surgery, while they generally are not major, you should still
seek the advice and knowledge of your surgeon before you decide
if this procedure is right for you and your personal situation.
These risks can include death, vomiting, diarrhea, repeat
surgeries and infection.