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By Lisa Green


Weight loss operations are also known as bariatric operations. They work by limiting the amount of food one can consume hence are also referred to as restrictive surgeries. The main types that are offered in New York include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding. While there are some differences in the way in which each of them is done the end result is more or less the same. In this article we look at the important aspects of the bypass surgery.

As is the case with many other surgeries, the decision to undergo the procedure is made collectively by the surgeon and the client. The advice of experts is that bariatric surgeries should be considered only after all the conservative options have been tried out. Such may include, for example, making dietary changes and engaging in physical exercise regularly for at least six months. The only exception is when a lot of fat has to be lost in a short span of time.

Candidates that are most likely to benefit from the surgery are those with a body mass index of 40 or more. If one is suffering from a condition that is aggravated by excess weight then a lower value may be accepted. Examples include sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes among others. In these cases, surgery will help not only relieve the symptoms but will also help slow the progression.

The preparation require for the surgery resembles what happens for other major operations. A number of tests have to be conducted to establish that the candidate is ready to be operated on. Some of the most helpful tests at this point in time include hemogram (or full blood count) and renal function tests. There is also a need to stop drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding such as anticoagulants.

One of two techniques can be used in this surgery. The Roux-en-Y is the commonest. The stomach is first reduced into a small pouch through banding or stapling before joined to the last segment of the small intestines. The first two parts are skipped (bypassed). All this is done through small incisions created in the anterior abdominal wall. One of the reasons as to why the technique us popular is because of the low rate of complications.

One of the reasons as to why weight loss occurs following the Roux-en-Y procedure is the small stomach size. Faster filling means that you will eat less than before. Consequently less food is available for conversion to fat for storage as most of it is used for the provision of energy. The other major contributor to weight loss is the reduced surface area that is necessary for absorption of nutrients.

The second alternative is what is termed extensive gastric bypass. This is a more radical approach that is mainly used in the event of biliary obstruction resulting from liver disease. It is for this reason that the procedure is sometimes called biliopancreatic diversion. The surgery itself involves the removal of the lower stomach portion and joining the upper portion to the lower part of the small intestines.

Reduction in the absorption of essential nutrients is a common complication. This is mostly seen when extensive bypass is performed. Another possible complication both in the short term and long term is a condition popularly referred to as dumping syndrome. The features of dumping syndrome include sweating, weakness, vomiting and nausea. These symptoms are usually experienced a few minutes after eating due to rapid food movement.




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