Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Involves Risks
Losing Weight with Laparoscopic Procedure Takes Time & Commitment
Sep 21, 2009
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connecting it with a bypass to the second section of the small intestine. The surgeon uses a laparoscope – a thin tubular instrument with a tiny camera at the end – to perform the procedure. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about four hours to complete.
Gastric Bypass Surgery for Losing Weight
Gastric bypass (bariatric) surgery is not a way to achieve fast weight loss. Clients begin by undergoing weeks of physical and mental preparation. After the surgery, there is a long period of adjustment to the smaller stomach that measures the size of a walnut and holds about one ounce of food.
The television documentary "Big Medicine" (Discovery Health Channel) gives viewers an accurate detailed look into the latest bariatric surgery methods for losing weight. The father and son surgeon team of Robert and Garth Davis at Houston's Methodist Weight Management Center is dedicated to unraveling underlying emotional issues that are the true causes behind the patient's weight problem. Clients are strongly advised to confront and deal with these issues before the surgery can be deemed a success.
The Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Bariatric surgery patients can look forward to a new and satisfying lifestyle once the weight is gone. The laparoscopic procedure used is less invasive than traditional surgical methods, and recovery is generally faster with less chance of complications. What are the benefits of having gastric bypass surgery?
- The satisfaction of finally doing something about one's weight problem
- Dramatic weight loss
- Improvement or elimination of Type 2 diabetes
- Blood pressure restored to normal in most cases
- Reduced cholesterol level
- Resolution of sleep apnea
- Increase in self esteem
The Mayo Clinic website features a section on Obesity and the article, "Gastric Bypass Surgery: What Can You Expect?" (Oct. 2007). The article emphasizes a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular events in clients that have undergone gastric bypass surgery. And, "... gastric bypass surgery may reduce the risk of dying of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The surgery has also shown to improve mobility and quality of life for people who are severely overweight."
The Risks Associated with Gastric Bypass Surgery
The website, Obesity Law.com, features the article, "Bariatric Surgery Procedures, Part II" (no author given, 2006), and states, "According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States."
As with any surgery operation there are risks involved. Clients that want to lose weight with a gastric bypass are urged to do as much research as possible and discuss thoroughly any apprehensions or concerns with the physician. Candidates for bariatric surgery should be aware that complications can develop as either a result of the surgery or the result of the patient not following directions after the surgery:
- Death. In the Mayo Clinic article, the staff warns, "A risk of death has been associated with gastric bypass surgery. It has generally been reported to be one death per 200 to 300 surgeries. Higher risks have been reported amongst Medicare recipients."
- Vitamin deficiency. Clients may become iron deficient and become anemic, or develop a higher potential for bone calcium loss. It is therefore imperative the client remain under strict supervision of a healthcare professional who can prescribe treatments in the event that these or any other conditions develop as a result of gastric bypass.
- The pouch can stretch. The new stomach pouch can stretch over time if the client does not follow the rules. It is possible to gain back the pounds.
- Blood clots. Blood clots in the legs can travel to the lungs, causing damage to the tissue (called a pulmonary embolism). Left untreated, a pulmonary embolism causes death.
- Surgical repairs. Internal leakage from the stapled stomach can occur, as well as infection around the external wound sites.
- Intolerance to foods. Consider that one may no longer be able to enjoy certain "comfort" foods, or foods that have some ethnic or traditional bond.
- Dumping Syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic source, this condition occurs when stomach contents move too quickly through the small intestine. Frequently experienced after eating sweets or high-fat foods, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and sweating.
- Loose skin. Morbidly obese clients may need additional surgery to remove sagging skin that can cause irritation and create a barrier to the "after" image one was trying to achieve.
The decision to have gastric bypass surgery is typically a last resort for the person who has repeatedly tried – and failed – at many diet and weight loss programs. The procedure causes dramatic weight loss over a shorter period of time than regular dieting methods, but can involve weeks of preparation, as well. One must still commit to a lifetime of proper diet and regular exercise. Persons interested in gastric bypass surgery should do as much research as possible, ask a lot of questions, and consult with others that have gone through the surgery, before making a final decision.
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