subject: Know More about Gastric Bypass Surgery [print this page] Being overweight can be the cause of a number of problems in ones life. It can have physical as well as psychological effects on an individual. The first and foremost step one usually takes to lose weight is to reduce intake of high-calorie food and increase physical activity. In many cases, even after extensive dieting and strenuous exercising, there is little or no development at all in the quest for weight loss. Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery can be the ultimate solution in such circumstances. There are different types of obesity surgical procedures. They can be broadly classified into malabsorptive, restrictive and mixed procedures. Different types of obesity surgeries fall into these categories and gastric bypass is one among them.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
The gastric bypass procedure is a type of bariatric surgery which follows the mixed procedure. As a result of gastric bypass surgery, your food intake will be largely reduced and absorption of nutrients will be controlled. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It can take from anywhere between one to four hours and up to a weeks stay in hospital. There are two distinct types of gastric bypass surgeries. They are as follows:
1.Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (traditional and laparoscopic): The traditional procedure is an open surgery. It involves one long incision. Laparoscopic gastric bypass is performed through multiple minor incisions. A laparoscopic camera that helps the surgeon view the interiors of ones abdomen is inserted and the operation is performed. Laparoscopic gastric bypass involves less trauma and pain. Recovery is faster and minimum scarring takes place.
2.Biliopancreatic diversion bypass: This is an open bypass surgery which is more complex when compared to Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass. In this surgery, a small portion of the stomach is separated and attached to the distal illium of the intestine. This type of surgery usually has issues with malnutrition and so it is not very popular.
Postoperative care
It is important for you to take absolute care of yourself once the surgery has been performed. After a laparoscopic surgery you will need to stay for at least a day in the hospital and for a minimum of 3 days after an open surgery. Pain killing drugs may be prescribed by your doctor to help you cope with the soreness of your abdomen. Open incisions will leave scars on your skin, but they will get fainter with time. The most important aspect post surgery is for you to religiously follow a diet chart, an exercise program and take psychological counseling. Over a period of time you will recover and witness a physical and mental transformation in yourself.
