Gastric Surgery
Gastric surgery, a last resort measure to combat obesity
As people become more and more weight conscious, they are willing consider drastic solutions to stay thin including gastric surgery. However, gastric bypass surgery, the type of gastric surgery performed most often, is an extremely invasive procedure that should only be performed on someone whose weight is life threatening, not just a cosmetic concern.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Types
In the most common type of gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon makes a large cut in the abdomen, and separates a small section of the stomach with surgical staples. This small pouch of the stomach is then attached to middle of the small intestine. This procedure causes most of the stomach and the upper part of the intestine to be bypassed in the digestion process. As a result, patient cannot consume and as much food feeling full quicker, and less calories are absorbed by the small intestine. Most people who undergo gastric bypass surgery lose weight rapidly over the course of the first year after the surgery.
Surgery Risks
All types of gastric bypass surgery run a risk of infection. Also a leak can occur where the stomach is partitioned or where the intestine is connected. Leaks formed around surgical staples are particularly dangerous, because stomach acid can drip and damage other organs.
The most widespread problem patients experience is nutritional deficiency, due to the smaller absorption capacity of the intestine. The patient is able to process less vitamins and minerals. This occurs about 30 percent of the time. Even without problems, patients of gastric surgery must carefully regulate their diet and nutritional intake. Eating too much will induce vomiting or cause intense pain.
Pre-Surgery Requirements
In most cases for gastric bypass surgery to even be considered, the patient has to have been obese for over five years, is between 18 and 65 years old, does not have untreated depression, and does not have an alcohol problem. Usually, gastric bypass surgery is recommended for people who have a body mass index of 40 or above.
A Less Risky Route
The second most common type of gastric surgery, gastric banding surgery, is a less invasive procedure and doesn’t have as many risks as gastric bypass surgery. In this procedure, a small incision is made in the abdomen and a gastric band is placed over the stomach separating the upper part of it creating a small pouch that can hold only an ounce of food. Most gastric bands are adjustable and made of silicone. To adjust the band, you inject or remove saline solution into a plastic tube underneath your skin that connects to the band tightening it or relaxing it respectively.
Gastric banding surgery usually results in about a 40 percent loss in excess fat and doesn’t run the risk of nutritional deficiency that gastric bypass does. However, gastric bypass surgery is more effective with an 80 percent loss of excess weight on average. You should try other methods of weight loss before considering gastric surgery and be sure to assess the risks involved.
