ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS: Procedure and Risks Associated

ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS: Procedure and Risks Associated

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery in which a small pouch from the stomach is created and then connected directly to the small intestine. After the surgery, the food you swallow goes into this small pouch of the stomach and then straight into the small intestine, thus, omitting a large part of your stomach and the primary part of your small intestine. Gastric bypass is one of the most common weight loss surgery in India.

Gastric bypass is performed when any exercise as well as diet plan have not worked for you or when you have serious health problems because of your weight.

WHY GASTRIC BYPASS?gastric-bypass.jpg

Gastric bypass is performed to lose surplus weight and reduce the possible risks of potentially dangerous weight-related health problems, including: Stroke Diabetes High blood pressure Heart disease Obstructive sleep apnea High cholesterol Gastroesophageal reflux disease Infertility This surgery is done only after you’ve tried and failed to lose weight by improving your exercise and diet habits.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Generally, gastric bypass and other kinds of weight loss surgery is an option for you if you have: BMI 40 or higher (extreme obesity) BMI 35-39.9 (obesity) with a serious weight-related health problem such as high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, gastric bypass is not an option for everyone who is severely overweight.

You may need to qualify for a weight loss surgery, for this, you will have a general screening process. Moreover, you must be willing to make a few permanent changes to lead a healthier lifestyle after the surgery.

RISKS ASSOCIATED

Like any other major surgery, gastric bypass also has specific risks associated with it.

The short-term and long-term risks are: Infection A hernia Excessive bleeding Malnutrition Blood clots Vomiting Breathing problems

PREPARING FOR THE SURGERY

Once you qualify for the surgery, your health care team will instruct you on how to prepare for it. You may need to undergo several medical examinations and laboratory tests prior to the surgery.

Before the surgery, you must tell your doctor about all the medications, or dietary supplements that you take. Also, if you have an intake of any blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor about it as these medications affect bleeding and clotting. Moreover, you must tell your doctor about any other health problem that you are undergoing In addition, you must also be prepared beforehand for your recovery after the surgery.

THE PROCEDURE

The type of procedure will depend on your situation and the doctor’s practices.

Some surgeries are performed using traditional method (a large incision is made in the abdomen), whereas, most are performed laparoscopically (instruments are inserted through multiple incisions in the abdomen) After making the incisions, the surgeon cuts the top of your stomach, closing it off from the rest of your stomach. The newly made pouch is walnut sized and can hold about an ounce of food.

The surgeon will then cut the small intestine and sew part of it directly onto the newly created pouch. Then, the food will go into the newly created small pouch of the stomach and then directly into the small intestine. The food consumed by you bypasses the first section of your small intestine and most of your stomach and enters directly into the centre of your small intestine.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF GASTRIC BYPASS?

The surgery can provide long-term weight loss. Besides weight loss, gastric bypass may resolve or improve other health problems or conditions related to obesity. These include: High cholesterol High blood pressure Heart disease Stroke Infertility Type 2 diabetes. In addition, gastric bypass weight loss surgery can improve your daily lifestyle and your quality of life.