The Basics Of Gastric Bypass
If you or someone you know is morbidly obese, chances are you have heard of bariatric surgery. If you have not, the word bariatric is a medical term for treatments pertaining to one's weight. Bariatric surgery then is surgery that can help to treat someone whose weight has gotten out of control. There are several different types of bariatric surgery, all with different benefits and risks. Since everybody is different, there is not a 'one size fits all' solution to morbid obesity. There are several different surgery options. For this reason, one must consult with their doctor to try and figure out which surgery will best meet their needs. It is also wise to seek multiple opinions on the matter from different doctors to ensure that you are getting the best possible care.
Keep in mind that 'gastric', or the prefix 'gastro', refers to the stomach. The stomach is a complex organ because it is actually very muscular. In order to make sure that all of one's food is broken down, the muscles in the stomach periodically contract to churn all of the food. Should an individual overeat on a regular basis, the stomach can increase in size and begin to require more food in order to feel full. For that reason, bariatric surgery is usually dealing with cutting down the size of the stomach in order to decrease its capacity, since one does not actually need a large amount of food to survive.
Gastric bypass surgery is when the majority of the stomach is removed, leaving only the small stomach pouch that is connected to the esophagus. A small portion of the small intestine is also removed, the remaining portion being brought up to the stomach pouch. Since the rest of the stomach produces a lot of enzymes to break down food that the body needs, the removed stomach and portion of the small intestine are lowered to be reconnected to the rest of the small intestine, though no food will pass through it again. Due to the decreased size of the stomach, individuals will feel full extremely quickly, and their low caloric intake will help them to lose weight quickly. On the other hand, one downside to this procedure is that since there is a portion of the small intestine missing, there are less nutrients absorbed from food. This can lead to vitamin deficiencies. One must stick to a strict follow-up schedule with their doctor and should maintain their diet, should they wish to see the effects of gastric bypass become permanent.
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