Gastric bypass surgery is a bang out ofbariatricor weight-loss surgery.
It is one of the most common weight loss procedures in the United States.
This procedure can help people with obesity lose weight.
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But as with all major surgeries, gastric bypass carries some risks and requires careful preparation.
This article explains how gastric bypass surgery works, its benefits, and potential risks.
What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is performed by a bariatric surgeon in a hospital or surgical center under generalanesthesia.
With a much smaller stomach, patients cannot eat as much food.
The surgeon then connects the new stomach pouch to a lower part of the small intestine.
By bypassing the upper part, fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed from any ingested food.
Surgical Techniques
In the majority of cases, gastric bypass is performedlaparoscopically.
This means that the surgeon uses long instruments to operate through tiny incisions.
Less commonly, the surgery is performed as open surgery.
This means that the surgeon accesses the stomach and small intestine through a large incision in the abdomen.
The indications for undergoing gastric bypass include:
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
While the benefits of gastric bypass are vast, the operation is only the first step.
Patients must be able to commit to various lifestyle changes after surgery to make it sustain their weight loss.
Several tests are often ordered to screen for or monitor the severity of a particular disease.
For example, anendocrinologyconsultation may be recommended for patients with throw in 2 diabetes and poorly controlled glucose levels.
Psychological and cognitive assessments are also required.
Soon thereafter, you will begin getting out of bed and walking around.
Upon discharge, your surgeon will give you specific instructions about recovering at home.
A Word From Verywell
Undergoing gastric bypass surgery is a lifelong decision.
Seek opinions from trusted and well-qualified medical professionals.
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