Why Getting A Gastric Bypass Surgery Can Save Your Life

By Karen Stewart


The epidemic that is morbid obesity is bound to have many ways of curing. While some may say that this is a condition that can be prevented with discipline, many factors come into play that cause obesity. Genetic make up can contribute to this and that cannot be controlled. Sometimes immediate solutions are necessary, such as surgical intervention.

There are many forms of GBP surgery. New York considers morbid obesity as an epidemic given that 25 to 29 percent of adults are obese in the state. Considering the population New York has, this makes up for a lot of people. This makes gastric bypass surgery, GBP, a popular option.

This operation involves dividing the stomach pouches into two. The smaller of the intestines is then transfered to adjust to changes and is connected to the larger stomach pouch divisions. The goal of a GBP is to reduce the volume that the stomach can accommodate changing the normal reaction to food.

There is about a substantial loss to excess body fat, which is the more apparent effect of the procedure. Hypertension at a 70 percent and sleep apnea are also relieved at the rate of 75 percent. Type 2 diabetes and the likelihood of patients having it is effectively reversed at 90 percent.

There is a study that claims that 89 out of a hundred patients who go through gastric bypass are live over 5 years after the procedure compared to those that did not undergo the surgery. Since most surgeons would prefer minimally invasive laparoscopic methods, recovery becomes faster since the wound is small. There is a general improvement in the quality of life due to a more active lifestyle and increased physical participation.

The mortality rate for this operation can be compared to the 3 out of a thousand rate of deaths that can happen with gall bladder removal. With a so many benefits, there has to be a catch. The sudden change can cause side effects such as nutrient deficiency and an adjustment period to the emotional withdrawal from the relationship the patient has with food.

Surgical complications are only at about 7 percent for laparoscopic procedures and 14 percent for open surgery. Even with these numbers, the multiple diseases that get addressed and over all weight loss is worth the shot. There is a significant change in the energy levels and eating habits due to the drastic change, but patients usually adapt eventually.

There are diet restrictions and specifications that will be mandated by the doctors. Limited amount of food can be eaten and this is also only certain types. Appetite can change by a lot, post operation. There is also the tendency to develop ulcers due to increased acid producing cells, although the doctor usually give medication for this. Supplements are necessary for the person to have the proper amount of nutrients in their body especially calcium, iron, protein and vitamin B12.

There are huge changes in life after a gastric bypass. Food will never be the same, there are bouts of nausea and other side effects. This is after all an extremely sudden change at such a short span of time. But it definitely solves the tendency to overeat.




About the Author: