Dealing with weight loss may seem daunting and utmost frustrating. Google searches bombard you with vast information that can turn out confusing and sometimes misleading. However, among these tons of information lies your ideal secret to weight loss, and if you have been doing your research correctly, you might have come across the term “gastric bypass surgery”. So, what is gastric bypass surgery? In this article, we will help you understand everything about it.
What is gastric bypass surgery?
This is a type of surgery that helps you to cut weight by making a few changes on how your stomach and small intestine handle food. Simply put, this surgery will reduce your stomach so you will feel fuller after eating less food. Additionally, what you eat will not go to every part of your stomach or get absorbed by the small intestine. This way, your body absorbs fewer calories from the food you eat. Gastric bypass is one of the most common types of bariatric surgery in America and is most commonly done to obese patients and people who are struggling to lose weight. This surgery is safe and effective and will help you get rid of your weight permanently. It will also help reduce weight-related conditions like diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
Is it for everyone?
One of the most asked questions is whether anyone can have the surgery. Gastric bypass surgery is not for everyone, but for individuals who really need it. Anyone who has been struggling with weight unsuccessfully can consider this surgery. Doctors may also perform the procedure to patients with life-threatening conditions like high blood mass index and obesity. This is a serious commitment just like any other weight loss technique and individuals must practice living a healthy life by:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Taking appropriate food portions
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Adopting good sleeping patterns
How is gastric bypass surgery performed?
If your healthcare team has confirmed you are fit to take the procedure, your bariatric surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. You might need to give a medical history to help doctors determine what medications to administer and what food to restrict.
Before the surgery, you will be injected with general anesthesia, meaning that you will be asleep and feel no pain during the operation. Next, your stomach will be divided into two portions using staples: the upper section will be smaller while the bottom section bigger. The food you eat will then go to the top section and quickly fill it so that you feel fuller. In the next procedure, your surgeon will connect part of your small intestine to a tiny hole in your stomach to help the food you eat go straight to the small intestine hence reducing the number of calories absorbed.
