Are you considering gastric bypass surgery? Losing extra weight can be a tough challenge for some folks. There is good news for those who have struggled with fat loss, especially for individuals that have tried for years to lose weight, without much success. Today there are many options to help those individuals struggling to lose weight, achieve success and live a healthier lifestyle. One alternate method to help those trying to lose weight, with a proven success record, is gastric bypass surgery. For those considering this weight loss option, it is helpful to find out exactly, what gastric bypass surgery is.
Roux-en-Y
There are several different types of gastric bypass surgery; the most common is Roux-en-Y. This procedure works by dividing the stomach into two pouches, a smaller upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. The pouches are divided either by surgical staples or a plastic band. The middle part of the small intestine is then connected to the smaller stomach pouch. This surgery basically makes the stomach smaller, which helps people to feel full on less food, and a portion of the intestine is bypassed, resulting in a lesser intake of calories. The end result of this is very fast weight loss.
Results
The amount of weight loss experienced will vary; most individuals will lose 50% to 80% of their excess weight within a relatively short period of time. It is common to lose weight very rapidly in the first year. Weight loss goals are generally met within one to four years of the surgery. Fast weight loss is not the only advantage to having this surgery. Gastric bypass will reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It may also increase life expectancy.
As with any surgery, there are risks to consider. It is estimated that one-third of the individuals who have had weight loss surgery, develop either gall stones or a nutritional deficiency. Infection in the incision and possible leaks from the stomach into the abdominal cavity are other risks to consider.
While this weight loss surgery does produce excellent results for most, it is not for everybody. There are few, general guidelines most doctors follow before recommending this surgery. Individuals that have BMI of 40% or higher or a life threatening condition resulting from excess weight are good candidates. A few other factors include being between the ages of 18 to 65, having struggled to lose weight for 5 years or more and not having any untreated mental disorders.
After Gastric Bypass Surgery
There are also lifestyle changes that will have to be made after weight loss surgery. It is very important to eat slowly and chew foods completely. Avoiding all carbonated drinks, candy, ice cream and any foods containing simple sugars is essential. Consuming simple sugars after weight loss surgery can cause what is known as dumping syndrome. This syndrome can cause severe diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and shaking.
While not a cure-all, gastric bypass surgery can be an enormous help for those individuals who have struggled to lose weight for years with little success.
