Another of the surgical weight loss methods used at Mission Hospitals is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, which is the most common surgical method used to control obesity today.
About Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Through this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. The capacity of the stomach is reduced to only one ounce. This pouch is created by stapling across the stomach with a special metal device.
Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower portion of the stomach and the first segment of the small intestine. This reduces calorie and nutrient absorption.
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Patients typically lose 75 percent of their excess weight within the first 18 to 24 months after surgery.
Weighing the Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Surgery to produce weight loss is a serious undertaking. Each patient should have a thorough understanding of what is involved and the benefits and risks associated with this procedure.
The risks associated with weight loss surgery are similar to any abdominal surgery. However, obese people are at a greater risk than people of normal body weight during an operation due to diseases and conditions related to obesity, such as hypertension and diabetes. Reducing your BMI with weight loss prior to surgery will reduce the chances of complications during surgery. Mission offers the OPTIFAST® Program to help bariatric surgery patients reduce their BMI prior to surgery.
According to the Weight Control Information Network, ten to twenty percent of weight loss surgery patients require follow-up surgery to correct complications. Abdominal hernias are the most common complication.
More than a third of weight loss surgery patients develop gallstones and may require a second operation for gallbladder removal. Some risks also exist for pouch stretching, leakage of stomach contents into the abdomen and breakdown of the staple line.
Because food is skipping the first section of the small intestine where most iron and calcium is absorbed, there is a risk for nutritional deficiencies. Maintaining the necessary vitamin intake can be achieved by taking vitamin and mineral supplements your physician will recommend for the rest of your life. Protein deficiencies also can occur but can be prevented by consuming protein during the first half of each meal.
Nausea and vomiting may occur if the patient gets full during a meal and continues to eat. Limiting food intake will address this issue. Some patients also experience some food intolerance. Red meats are harder to digest than other proteins and may cause vomiting. Sugar draws fluid into the intestine and may cause a condition known as "dumping syndrome." Symptoms of dumping syndrome include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and occasionally diarrhea. Most patients manage or avoid this condition by not consuming sweets on an empty stomach. If an intolerance to milk products occurs, lactose-free products can be substituted. Stool softeners may also be needed after surgery due to the reduced quantities of roughage being consumed.
Hair and muscle loss also can occur when the body is experiencing a drastic reduction of calories and substantial weight loss. Hair loss is temporary and usually corrected when nutrition and weight stabilize. Loss of muscle mass can be prevented by exercising vigorously as soon after surgery as your physician allows.
Next Steps
Your next step is to attend a bariatric surgical information session to learn more. Call us during the hours of 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Dial 828-213-2222, then choose option #2 to register.
