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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

By Catherine Watson


Research shows that the number of weight loss surgeries has been increasing steadily over time. The surgeries, also termed bariatric operations, are mainly performed with the objective of reducing the volume of the stomach and effectively the surface that is used in absorption of food. Bariatric surgery is an option for obese patients that have been unsuccessful in reducing weight using lifestyle options. There are a number of things on gastric bypass surgery Houston patients should understand.

Several criteria are used in selecting potential candidates to undergo the operation. One of them is that lifestyle options should have been tried for a period of six months or more. Such will include a proper diet and regular physical exercise. A proper diet should have a low amount of carbohydrate and protein and more vegetables and fruits. As for exercise, the minimum is thirty minutes of intense physical activity three to five days a week.

The candidate is also required to have a body mass index, BMI, of at least 40. If the BMI is less than this very little or no benefits at all will be realized. The exception to this is candidates who are suffering from or are at risk of weight-related complications such as stroke, cardiac disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and gastro-esophageal reflux disease among others. In such cases, a BMI value of between 35 and 40 is acceptable.

You will need to undergo a medical checkup by your doctor before being scheduled to undergo the operation. This checkup includes both a history and a physical examination both aimed assessing the suitability of a potential candidate. A number of tests have to be performed to screen for possible surgical risks. Such will include a full blood count, renal function tests and liver function tests aiming others.

There are various techniques of gastric bypass being used currently. One of the most commonly used types is the Roux-en-Y technique. In this approach, the first step is to fashion the stomach into a small pouch (equivalent to the size of an egg). The next step is to connect the pouch so formed to the second part of the intestine (the jejunum). The first portion is bypassed in this process.

The roux-en-Y technique makes it possible to perform the operation using small incisions. The result of this is that the scars resulting from the operation are quite small and the complications are also fewer. One of the complications that may be encountered is the erosion of staples and silicone bands that are used in creating the pouch. This may be seen after some years but is thankfully quite rare.

Dumping syndrome is another major complication associated with this type of surgery. The syndrome is characterized by fainting, generalized body weakness, nausea, diarrhea and sweating among others. These symptoms are thought to result from the rapid movement of food from the stomach to the intestines. They will typically be experienced after about 30 minutes following the ingestion of food.

Gastric bypass surgeries are increasingly becoming an option for weight loss thanks to the rising prevalence of life threatening obesity all over the world. Newer techniques have not only made this operation effective but have also significantly reduced the rate of complications. It is important that one complements the operation with lifestyle changes if they are to realize maximum benefits.




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