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Surgery
Why the Gastric Bypass Has Become the Gold Standard for Bariatric Surgery
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Jul 30, 2020 - 1:44:40 PM

(HealthNewsDigestcom) - When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to help you lose the weight you need to lead a healthy life, weight loss surgery might be a good option.

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common types of bariatric surgery performed in the United States. This is largely because it is one of the safest and most effective forms of weight-loss surgery. Additionally, it offers unique benefits for those struggling with a wide variety of obesity-related conditions.

In this article, I’ll show you what this surgery is and why it has become the gold standard for those seeking weight loss surgery. For those wondering how much bariatric surgery is, then do not fret because the monetary cost of bariatric surgery has significantly decreased in the last few years. Keep reading to learn more about bariatric surgery and if it is right for you.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y, is a type of weight loss surgery. During the operation, the surgeon will staple off a small, thumb-sized pouch from your stomach. This pouch will function as your new stomach. This pouch is then connected directly to the small intestine. This results in food bypassing much of your stomach and part of your small intestine.

Following surgery, patients are unable to eat large meals thanks to their small stomach pouch, which fills up faster and creates a feeling of satiety after fewer calories. Additionally, less of the food that is eaten will be absorbed during digestion thanks to bypassing of a portion of the stomach and small intestine.

What Are the Benefits of Roux-en-Y Surgery?

Weight Loss

As the term “weight-loss surgery” implies, the primary goal of gastric bypass surgery is to facilitate weight loss. When performed at a certified ASMBS comprehensive MBSAQIP center, gastric bypass surgery causes most patients to lose 65-90% of their excess weight.

Curing Type-2 Diabetes

Gastric bypass surgery is particularly helpful in curing type 2 diabetes. This is partly because obesity helps cause type 2 diabetes, so when patients return to a normal weight, that contributing factor is removed. The new arrangement of the stomach and small intestines also causes changes within the digestive tract that can lead to an enhanced ability to get rid of glucose. One study suggests that 70% of patients who undergo this surgery see long-term remission of their type 2 diabetes.

 

Cardiac Disease and Stroke

 

Research suggests that gastric bypass surgery can lead to improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol, and with them, enhanced cardiac health. This reduces the risk of cardiac disease and stroke.

Sleep Apnea

Suffering from obesity can cause or exacerbate sleep apnea. Weight loss following surgery can help to eliminate sleep apnea.

Acid Reflux

If you suffer from obesity and struggle with acid reflux, this surgery might do more than help you lose weight. For patients with acid reflux who undergo gastric bypass, 90% see their symptoms resolve. This can be helpful when it comes to sleeping soundly through the night and keeping the esophagus healthy.

Depression

Many people suffering from obesity struggle with depression linked to difficulties losing weight, poor self-image, and social stigma. Additionally, related health issues like sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes can negatively impact one’s outlook on life. Once weight is shed and physical health improves, many patients see a corresponding improvement in their mental health. A study by the National Institute of Health found that over half of gastric bypass patients saw a decrease in depression as soon as 6-12 months after surgery.

Who Is Gastric Bypass Surgery Right For?

To qualify for this surgery, you will need to have:


  1. A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

  2. A BMI of 35 or higher with a qualifying comorbid disease (a comorbid disease is a weight-related health problem)

  3. Followed a medically-supervised weight loss program without seeing success

  4. Consulted with a bariatric surgeon

Surgery is a big step, so you need to be fully prepared for the surgery itself and for life after surgery. Following the surgery, there will be certain diet and supplement requirements that you will need to stick to for the rest of your life.

Who Shouldn’t Get Gastric Bypass Surgery?

There are some people who would do better with another form of bariatric surgery, or with something that requires less commitment. Gastric bypass surgery is not for:


  1. Anyone who hasn’t tried diet and exercise to lose weight

  2. People with a BMI > 50 (others bariatric surgeries may be better)

  3. Those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Crohn’s Disease

  4. Those who suffer from vitamin or mineral deficiencies

If you fall under one of the above categories, speak with your bariatric surgeon’s office to discover what option is right for you. Other surgeries like the duodenal switch or sleeve gastrectomy may lead to a better outcome for you.

How Safe Is Surgery?

While bariatric surgery does come with some risks, the risks of obesity are far greater. When performed by a certified bariatric surgeon, weight loss surgery is generally extremely safe. And while there can be post-surgery complications such as incisional pain and dumping syndrome, your surgeon should be able to work with you to handle those. While all surgeries carry risk, gastric bypass surgery is no more dangerous than a minor outpatient surgery such as gallbladder surgery.

A Pathway to Lasting Weight Loss

Losing weight isn’t easy for everyone. If you have tried diet and exercise and haven’t seen lasting results, then please understand that this is not your fault. When you suffer from obesity, your body is hardwired to resist losing weight. Gastric bypass surgery can help you level the playing field in your struggle with obesity and reclaim your health.







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