Gastric Bypass Surgery Facts

This article highlights important facts to know about Gastric Bypass surgery.

Every woman desires to look fit even after childbirth however weight gain is a common phenomenon among women, especially black women.

Over the past week, famous Nigerian comedienne, Real Warri Pikin has been in the news after she came out open about her weight loss surgery.

While many applauded her vulnerability and bravery, Not a few have also criticized her actions.

However, more and more women are undergoing a common weight loss surgery called gastric bypass to stay fit and confident.

Considering Gastric bypass? This article highlights all the facts to know about Gastric Bypass surgery.

Gastric Bypass definition

Gastric bypass is a form of surgery that involves modifying the digestive system to aid with weight loss.

Also known as bariatric surgery, it is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight.

Using staples or a band, a tiny pouch is created at the top of the stomach during this procedure. This pouch has a limited capacity for food, resulting in a feeling of fullness after consuming modest portions.

A major piece of the stomach and the top part of the small intestine is then bypassed, and a segment of the small intestine is redirected and linked to the pouch. This decreases the surface area available for nutrient absorption, resulting in fewer calories absorbed from the meal consumed.

While there are different types, the most common type is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Weight Loss Outcomes

Gastric bypass surgery is well-known for its effective weight loss results. The amount of weight lost varies from person to person, but on average, patients should expect to lose 60% to 80% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months after surgery. This quick initial weight reduction progressively stabilizes over time. The procedure’s success is attributed in part to the combination of reduced food intake and decreased calorie absorption.

Benefits

The benefits of gastric bypass surgery go beyond weight loss. Following surgery, several obesity-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, generally improve or even go into remission. The exact processes behind these benefits are unknown, but they are most likely the result of metabolic changes and weight loss caused by the surgery.

Lifestyle changes

Gastric bypass surgery is not a stand-alone solution. Significant lifestyle adjustments are required for long-term success. Patients must adjust to a new eating pattern that includes smaller, more nutrient-dense meals. Protein consumption becomes especially necessary to help healing and muscle mass maintenance.

Furthermore, avoiding high-sugar and high-fat diets reduces pain and undesired weight gain. Regular physical activity is also important for weight control and overall health.

Risks, complications, and post-surgery treatment

Gastric bypass, like any major operation, entails hazards. Infections at the surgery site, blood clots, and postoperative bleeding are examples of complications. Long-term problems could include hernias at the incision sites or intestinal connecting locations. Nutritional deficiencies, notably of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and others, can emerge as a result of decreased absorption. This is why it is critical to maintain regular contact with healthcare providers. Regular check-ups and blood tests enable the discovery and management of any issues or deficits as soon as they arise.

Candidate criteria

Not everyone is a good candidate for gastric bypass surgery. Typically, candidates must have a BMI of 40 or greater (or a BMI of 35-39.9 with serious obesity-related health concerns). Medical exams are performed to determine a candidate’s physical and psychological suitability for the surgery.

It is worthy of note to emphasize that the choice to have surgery should be extensively addressed with a healthcare team that includes a surgeon, dietician, and mental health expert to ensure that the possible advantages outweigh the dangers.

Cost

Gastric bypass surgery like most surgeries is quite expensive.

The cost of gastric bypass surgery can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the medical facility’s location, the surgeon’s experience, the type of procedure performed, the extent of pre-operative evaluations, post-operative care, and whether insurance covers any portion of the costs.