In today's date and age we have become more health conscious and concerned with our weight.  It comes as no surprise to the abundance of weight loss options from several different kinds of diets to weight loss surgery. However, for many who are obese it isn't just a matter of looking good but it is a matter of healing health problems. Obesity is often plagued by many health problems such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sleep apnea and gall bladder disease, among a multitude of possible problems.  In an effort to lose weight many individuals are turning to bariatric surgery for their salvation.
Weight loss surgery has been around since 1954.  In 1988 the gastric bypass procedure began to evolve into a much better solution that is safer to have done.  Much has been learned and many improvements have been achieved yet despite these improvements the operation is still considered major surgery.

OBESITY (BARIATRIC) SURGERY

One of the most commonly known types of weight loss surgery is referred to as gastric bypass surgery.  This type of surgery is actually rather extreme as it alters the digestive process.  During this procedure approximately three-fourths of the stomach is removed, and the stomach pouch is connected to the final segment of the small intestines.  By diverting food in this manner the nutrients are separated from the bile and pancreatic enzymes that would break them down.  As a result this greatly reduces nutrient absorption and caloric intake.  There are many advantages as well as disadvantages to this type of weight loss surgery.

ADVANTAGES OF BARIATRIC WEIGHTLOSS SURGERY

• The most common advantage is the rapid weightloss that occurs once this procedure is completed.  Approximately 75% of patients will lose and keep off 50%-80% of their excess weight.
• Many will experience profound improvement of a host of medical conditions.  Sleep apnea, acid reflux, high blood pressure, arthritis and diabetes.
• There will be an amazing increase in energy for daily exercise and a renewed feeling of hope and in one’s self-confidence.

COMPLICATIONS/AND OR RISKS OF BARIATRIC WEIGHTLOSS SURGERY

• One must realize going into this, that it is a major surgery and ALL major surgery entails risk.  This is not like going to the dentist.  This is major surgery and it should be deeply considered before deciding to have it done.  There can be complications such as bleeding or wound infection, blood clots, bowel obstruction, and the breakdown of the staple line and stretched stomach outlets.
• On a national level, the United States has the most stringent rules for this type of procedure and there is a 1% mortality (death) rate.  The complication rate hovers right around 10%.    This brings up the thought of where you have the procedure completed.  Do not just consider cost.  Sure you can go to some third world nation but what good the cost savings would do you if the procedure killed you?  If you did decide to go and have the operation done in a third world nation you need to know that if and when you have complications many doctors in America will not even touch you because of the risks involved that may result in your death.
• Three to twelve months after the operation you may develop abdominal hernia and you will have to deal with nutritional deficiencies.  During your rapid and substantial weight loss you run the risk of developing gallstones.  Women of childbearing age should avoid getting pregnant for 18 months because the rapid weight loss can harm the baby during its growth in the womb.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT AFTER THE OPERATION

You must realize that there will be a major change in you eating habits after the operation.  Remember, you are having your internal plumbing rerouted and a chunk of your stomach removed!  After the operation you will have a transition period that may include bloating, nausea, vomiting and or heartburn caused by:

• Eating or drinking too fast
• Not chewing your food properly
• Using drinking straws
• Drinking cold fluids
• Eating rich or sweet foods
• Drinking carbonated beverages
• Eating too much

Blockage of the Stoma  

The new opening created by the surgery is smaller than the original opening.  This new opening may become blocked when the food has not been chewed enough.  You must learn to use your teeth to turn your food into applesauce consistency before swallowing.

Dumping syndrome

This occurs when food is dumped from the stomach into the intestine, which may result in a feeling of abdominal fullness, nausea, weakness, warmth, rapid pulse or even a period of cold sweats.  You can avoid this problem by not eating concentrated sweets, such as chocolate.  Yup!  You gotta give up chocolate.

Overeating

After this operation your stomach has been reduced in size by about 75% and you have to learn to eat less.  Eating at the all you can eat buffet will no longer be a bargain as the portion size of your food will become miniscule in comparison.  If you should indulge and eat too much you can stretch the stomach pouch and tear the staple line.  You will need to learn to eat only three or four very small meals each day.  You will be required to measure the food before eating to prevent over-filling the stomach.  You will have to eat slowly to allow the nerve endings in your stomach to signal your brain that you are full.  You must learn to stop eating as soon as you are full.

A gastric bypass operation should not be taken lightly.  Be very careful with whom you speak with concerning what is and what is not important to your own personal situation.  You must remember the power of the almighty dollar.  Insurance companies do not want to give it to you and doctors want to take it away from you.  A typical gastric bypass can cost in the area of $22,000.00 or more.  It has grown into a huge business and do not kid yourself for a minute that someone else is looking out for your best interest.  You must learn everything you can about the operation because it is a finite solution to the overweight problem.  Once you choose to take the leap and have the operation it is irreversible.  Once it is done there is no going back. 

Before You Decide

Gastric bypass is one way for a person to lose weight but it may or may not be the miracle magic bullet you are searching for in your weight loss quest.  You will still have to exercise and you must be able to stick to rigid rules as to what you can or cannot eat.  The best thing you can do is what you are doing right now.  Educate yourself and seek out as much knowledge as you can.  Take recommendations from people but make the choice yourself.  After all, you will be the one that has to live with yourself.  Choose wisely after and only after you have educated yourself as to what you will have to live with when the procedure is all said and done.

Back :: Next