Many people confuse bariatric or weight loss surgery with liposuction, but both are different concepts. Liposuction involves the removal of excess fat from specific body areas including the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms using the suction technique. It is a type of cosmetic surgery performed commonly in the US. On the other hand, bariatric surgery involves making changes in the digestive system to help morbidly-obese patients lose weight. When looking for an effective weight loss measure, bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass have shown promising results compared to liposuction as the former tackles morbid obesity in a gradual manner allowing the patient much more time to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. If you are looking to undergo any type of bariatric surgery in Dallas, consult an expert bariatric surgeon in the area to learn about your options. In this blog, we present an overview of one of the most common types of bariatric surgery available: gastric bypass.
What is gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) is a surgical procedure that aims at weight reduction by limiting the production of ghrelin (a hunger hormone) and the amount of food intake. It is a commonly prescribed weight loss surgery as it involves fewer complications and can be revised if required.
Gastric Bypass surgery is a two-step procedure: the first step includes dividing the stomach into two parts to create a small pouch almost the size of an egg. The second step includes dividing the small intestine into two parts; the lower part is connected to the small pouch created earlier in the stomach and the upper part is connected to a new location farther down on the lower part for the passage of bile (a digestive enzyme that helps in breaking the food into smaller units for easy digestion.) The small size of the stomach makes patients feel full quickly and speeds up the metabolism process. The changes in metabolism rate not only help in losing weight but also drastically control blood sugar levels, reducing the chances of experiencing diabetes.
Who is a candidate for gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is not for everyone. It is generally suggested to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher on whom dieting, exercise, and non-surgical procedures have shown no significant result. Patients with a body mass index of 35 or higher experiencing serious weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes are also eligible candidates for the procedure.
Doctors order various medical tests under an extensive screening process to determine the qualification of a patient for surgery. When opting for a gastric bypass surgery patients must be willing to make lifelong changes to their eating habits and participate in long-term follow-ups to lead a healthy life.
What are the risks involved?
Like any other surgery, gastric bypass also poses the risk of complications such as the formation of gallstones, infection from wounds, bleeding in urination, ulcer, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, some may say that the risk involved in the surgery is less compared to the risks of living with morbid obesity. But it is best to discuss with your surgeon to evaluate the risks considering your health history. In general, proper medication and care can reduce the risk of complications from the surgery. Bariatric surgeons often make long-term follow-up plans to monitor patients’ health and progress after the surgery. Patients are advised to be in regular touch with their surgeons and inform them when experiencing any complications to get proper treatment and advice.
What to Expect after Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery can be performed using two methods: Laparoscopic and Open. Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a laparoscope and a few small incisions, therefore, the recovery time is less. In contrast, open surgery involves making one large incision which increases the total healing time and leaves massive scars. Most surgeons now offer traditional and robotic laparoscopic bariatric surgeries in Texas and other states, giving patients the benefit of recovery in less time. If you are considering bariatric gastric bypass surgery in Dallas or Fort Worth, it is advisable to consult a surgeon offering laparoscopic procedures.
Irrespective of the methods patients opt for, post-op care is important. Patients are required to be in regular touch with their doctors and follow their instructions. Patients are advised to take medications including taking painkillers and vitamin supplements as prescribed to avoid any deficiencies. They are also required to ensure proper sleep and hydration during the recovery period. Religiously following doctor’s advice can speed up the recovery process. In general, patients may be able to get back to work in 2-3 weeks after the surgery.
Conclusion
Gastric Bypass is one of the most commonly prescribed weight loss surgeries. It is performed to decrease the amount of food intake and absorption of nutrients to help in weight reduction. The surgery requires a strong commitment to lifestyle changes and healthy eating habits. Patients must keep in mind all the aspects, before going in for the surgery. Dallas and Fort Worth residents can consult a reputable surgeon in the region, experienced in performing minimally invasive bariatric surgery to discuss their eligibility, minimize the chances of complications and ensure a healthy recovery.