A gastric bypass is a form of bariatric surgery, wherein a small stomach pouch is connected directly to the small intestine. It’s performed either in cases where exercise or dieting have failed to produce results, or where serious weight-related complications are present. As with any kind of surgical intervention, it’s worth being aware of the pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery. For better healing after undergoing this surgery, these home doctors in Adelaide monitor patients after gastric bypass can help you.
In the aftermath of surgery, patients on average lose 60-80% of their extra weight. There are a number of factors which contribute to this success rate.
Firstly, stomach capacity is greatly reduced and as a result, post-operative patients feel satiated faster. Secondly, a section of the small intestine, which 
under normal circumstances would absorb calories and nutrients, is bypassed as a result of the procedure. Thirdly, levels of the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for making you feel hungry, fall as a result of surgery.
The benefits of gastric bypass surgery are not limited to promoting weight loss alone. In excess of 60% of patients will display no signs of diabetes. A Swedish study found that gastric bypass surgery reduced the risk of mortality by 49% and the risk of cardiovascular disease by 34%.
Gastric bypass surgery can also pay a quality of life dividend to patients. The behavioral pattern linking weight loss reinforces healthy lifestyle options.
Undergoing a gastric bypass procedure entails the same degree of inherent risk as associated with any form of surgery. The most obvious with gastric bypass surgery is that it’s irreversible. Since the surgery itself is more intricate than other forms of bariatric surgery, surgical complications are also more common. The risks are elevated even further in cases where comorbidities are also present.
After surgery, patients are unable to absorb the same range of vitamins and minerals as beforehand. More specifically, noteworthy deficits are observed in vitamin B12, iron, and folate. As a result of such nutritional shortfalls, health problems such as dumping syndrome or anemia can occur. To minimize risk, patients are obliged to follow strict dietary recommendations and commit to a life-long regimen of supplementary vitamins and minerals.
Recent research has suggested that gastric bypass patients are more likely to develop gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal problems, malnutrition, and abdominal pain. This is in addition to postoperative complications, which had previously been documented, such as deep vein thrombosis, internal hernias, small bowel blockages, and ulcers.
As with any form of surgery, it’s invaluable to weigh up the pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery before making a final decision. It’s also worth bearing in mind that long-term postoperative support is vital to ensuring the success of the procedure. Many complications can be avoided if patients adhere to strict dietary and exercise guidelines.
Tags: bariatric surgery, pros and cons of gastric bypass, Weight loss