In general, gastric bypass and other surgeries to lose weight could be an appropriate option for you in the following cases:
If your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or more (extreme obesity).
If your body mass index is between 35 and 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious health problem related to weight, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea. In certain cases, you may be suitable for certain types of surgery to lose weight if your BMI is between 30 and 34, and you have serious health problems related to weight.
But gastric bypass is not for anyone who is severely obese. It may be necessary for you to comply with certain medical guidelines in order to be considered fit for weight-loss surgery. It is likely that you will have to undergo an extensive process of analysis for the detection of diseases in order to determine if you are suitable. You should also be willing to make permanent changes to lead a healthy lifestyle. They may ask you to participate in long-term follow-up programs that include control of your nutrition, behavior and lifestyle, and of the conditions you suffer.
If you meet the requirements for gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgery, your health care team will give you instructions on how to prepare for the specific type of surgery you will undergo. You may need different laboratory tests and tests before surgery. You may be restricted from food, beverages and medications that you can take. They could ask you to start a physical activity program and stop smoking.
It is also possible that you should prepare and plan for recovery after surgery. For example, arrange for someone to help you at home if you think you will need it.
Gastric bypass and other types of surgery to lose weight are done in a hospital. In these, general anesthesia is used.
The specific data of the surgery depends on your individual situation, the type of weight-loss surgery you are undergoing and the practices of the hospital or doctor. Some surgeries to lose weight are done through a large traditional incision or open in the abdomen. Currently, most types of bariatric surgery are performed laparoscopically. A laparoscope is a small tubular instrument with a camera attached. The laparoscope is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. The tiny camera at the tip of the laparoscope allows the surgeon to see and operate inside the abdomen without making large traditional incisions. Laparoscopic surgery can make your recovery faster and shorter, but it is not suitable for everyone.
In general, surgery takes several hours. After the surgery, you wake up in a recovery room, where the medical staff will check you for possible complications. Your hospital stay can last three to five days.
This is a type of gastric bypass surgery and is the most frequent method. This surgery is usually not reversible. It works by reducing the amount of food you can eat in a meal and reducing the absorption of nutrients. The surgeon cuts the upper part of the stomach, separating it from the rest of the stomach. The remaining reservoir is about the size of a walnut and may contain only about one ounce (28 g) of food. Normally, the stomach can contain approximately 3 pints (1.5 liters) of food. Then, the surgeon cuts through the small intestine and sews a portion of it directly into the reservoir. The food then enters this small reservoir of the stomach and then goes directly to the small intestine that is sewn into it. The food avoids most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine and enters directly into the middle part of the small intestine.
In this surgery to lose weight, the surgeon places an inflatable band around the highest part of the stomach. When the band is inflated, it compresses the stomach, acting like a belt that tightens. This separates the stomach into two parts, with a very small upper reservoir that communicates with the rest of the stomach through a channel created by the band. The small upper reservoir limits the amount of food you can eat. The band can be adjusted in a way that restricts the entry of less or more food. Due to its relative simplicity, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery is one of the most frequent weight loss surgeries. However, it can lead to less weight loss than other procedures and you may need to adjust the band periodically.
A laparoscopic gastric sleeve, also called «vertical laparoscopic gastric sleeve,» is a newer type of weight loss surgery. In reality, laparoscopic gastric sleeve is the first part of the surgical process of a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. However, the part of the laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery may be all you need to lose enough weight. In some cases, the second part-the biliopancreatic diversion-is not necessary. With the laparoscopic gastric sleeve, the structure of the stomach changes and takes the shape of a tube, which restricts the amount of calories absorbed by the body.
The type of weight loss surgery that is best for you depends on your particular situation. The surgeon will take into account many factors, such as the body mass index, your eating habits, your health problems, any previous surgery and the risks of each procedure.
After surgery to lose weight, usually, you can not eat for a day or two so that the stomach and digestive system can be cured. Then, you will follow a specific diet for about 12 weeks. The diet begins only with liquids, then continues with crushed or soft foods and finally with regular foods. You can have many restrictions or limits on what and how much you can eat and drink.
You should also do frequent medical checkups to monitor your health during the first months after weight loss surgery. You may need to have a laboratory test, a blood test and several tests.
Gastric bypass and other bariatric surgeries can facilitate long-term weight loss. The amount of weight you lose depends on the type of surgery and the change in your lifestyle habits. You may lose half (or even more) of your excess weight in two years.
Besides helping to lose weight, gastric bypass surgery can improve or cure the conditions that are usually related to obesity, including:
Gastric bypass surgery can also improve the ability to perform your daily routine activities, which can help you improve the quality of life.
