With this procedure a small stomach pouch is created. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), & the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This bypass reduces the absorption of nutrients & so reduces the calorie intake leading to weight loss.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY?
The major advantage of gastric bypass surgery is the dramatic weight loss it can produce. This weight loss can quickly improve or resolve other health issues associated with carrying serious levels of excess weight. These serious health issues may include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Improving associated illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol may significantly decrease your risk of having a stroke or a heart attack. Of course losing excess weight can also improve your quality of life & your ability to perform everyday tasks. Within the first two years of surgery, you can expect to lose 50 to 60 percent of your excess weight.
Gastric bypass is not a miracle however. Losing weight can certainly improve your health however this major surgery will only work if you are committed to the process of changing your lifestyle for good. It is up to you to make the lifelong changes to your eating and exercise habits necessary for optimum health outcomes.
