Gastric Bypass

ELIGIBILITY

Any individual who has tried diet and exercise but failed to lose weight is considered as a good candidate for gastric bypass. Although gastric bypass aids in weight loss, it is not an appropriate option for everyone. Based on the overall health and certain medical guidelines, the doctor will decide whether you are eligible for gastric bypass or not. 

In general, gastric bypass could be a good option if:

• The BMI (body mass index) is 40 or more
• Your BMI is 30 or more with severe weight-related health conditions like type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure
• You are willing to make permanent changes in the lifestyle

PREPARATION BEFORE PROCEDURE

Gastric bypass is a major procedure that involves several dietary restriction and limitations, so the patient needs to be well-prepared before surgery. Understanding the benefits and risks associated with the surgery could be of great help. 

At the first consultation, the doctor will review your medical and medication history. Certain medical tests, such as a blood test, abdominal ultrasound, and other tests are recommended to assess the health condition for undergoing surgery. During this period, you will also meet your dietician who will brief you about the dietary intake. 

The instructions given below may help you in having an uneventful surgery:

• Inform the doctor about the use of current medications and dietary supplements

• Do not take aspirin or any blood-thinning agents a few days before the surgery

• Quit smoking

• Avoid alcohol consumption

• Ask your doctor regarding any dietary restrictions before the surgery  

ABOUT PROCEDURE

This procedure is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia. Once the anaesthesia sets in, the surgeon will make an incision by any one of the following techniques:

• Open surgery: In this technique, the surgeon will make a large incision in the abdomen and bypass is done.

• Laparoscopic technique: In this technique, the surgeon will make a few small incisions in the abdomen. Through these incisions, the surgeon will pass a laparoscope and perform the surgery.

Once the incision is made, the surgeon will make a small pouch by cutting across the top portion of the stomach and staple it. This results in a division of stomach into a small upper section and a large bottom section. The small upper section is about the size of a walnut and can hold only about 1 ounce of food. Due to this, the person will feel full and eat less. 

Next, the surgeon will cut small intestine into two sections. The lower portion of the small intestine is joined to the newly made stomach pouch. Then, the food directly enters the middle region of the intestine. This decreases the absorption of calories and aids in weight loss. 

POST-PROCEDURE CARE

After the procedure, depending on the recovery and the technique used, the doctor will recommend staying in the hospital for a few days. You need to have a clear liquid diet for at least the first two weeks. After that, you can have a soft diet. From the next day of the surgery, you will be advised to walk slowly to prevent the risk of blood clots. For the first few months, you may have several changes in the body and drastic weight loss. Body aches, fatigue, dry skin, and mood swings are common for a few months. Like all other surgeries, gastric bypass also has certain complications. Therefore, you need to take the prescribed medicines regularly.

RECOVERY TIPS

• Eat a smaller amount of food
• Eat and drink slowly than usual
• Do not eat raw vegetables, red meat, and fried foods
• Focus on a protein-rich diet
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol
• Limit the intake of caffeine
• Take the prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements regularly
• Avoid lifting heavyweights
• Do not do strenuous exercises