Gastric Bypass Surgery

What is it and who needs it? 
Pros and Cons.

Across the world, but particularly in the United States, being obese has reached epidemic proportions.  The condition no longer affects just adults, but has been diagnosed in children as young as two.  What can be done?  Something has to happen soon to slow the numbers down; obesity is a killer.

Health professionals nationwide have banded together to promote healthier eating habits and increased levels of activity.  But, the number of obese patients continues to soar.  To attempt to curb the exponential rise, researchers and doctors have developed a procedure known as a Gastric Bypass Surgery, sometimes referred to as bariatric surgery.  In this procedure, the stomach is stapled.  What this does is decrease the size of the stomach so that the individual feels fuller more quickly, therefore less food is eaten, and theoretically, weight will be lost.

Most surgeons however, will not go forward with such a drastic operation until all other attempts at losing weight have failed.  This includes a healthy diet and exercise. Additionally, only patients who meet particular criteria are considered for the operation.  Weight and body mass index must pass a certain threshold and the individual must have health related issues caused or exacerbated by being obese.  If all of the above holds true, then the possibility of gastric bypass surgery may be an option.

Gastric bypass surgery is a lifestyle change.  After the procedure the patient must be willing to adhere to a strict diet – in content and quantity, and to an exercise program.  In addition, gastric bypass surgery is not a magic bullet for weight loss; as with any invasive surgery, there is the potential for risks and side effects.

The most common risk factors associated with gastric bypass surgery are listed below:

• Leaking from the region where the intestine was reattached to the new stomach pouch
• Ulcer
• Gallstones
• Incisional hernia
• Stomach stenosis (which may cause vomiting after surgery)
• Blood clots in the lungs
• And in rare cases death can occur

Pros:

• Permanent weight loss is obtained – most of which will occur within one year of surgery.
• Decreased health problems related to obesity which is a direct result of the weight loss.  These health problems include high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, heartburn, and high cholesterol in addition to a large number of other conditions.
• Patient will feel satisfied and full with a smaller quantity of food.
• Reduces the amount of sweets that can be eaten since sweets can cause “dumping syndrome” (abdominal cramping, diarrhea and pain).  After a short time, patients no longer crave the sweets like they used to.

Cons:

• Very expensive surgery which is not always covered by insurance companies.
• Weight can be gained back if a strict diet and exercise program are not followed.
• The “dumping syndrome” may be experienced if foods that are too high in fat or sugar are eaten.
• Reversal of the operation is very difficult and may not be possible.

For individuals considering this form of surgery, the above risk factors, pros and cons should be heavily weighed.  In addition, all possible, and safe, alternative methods for weight loss should be given a fair chance before committing to gastric bypass surgery.

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