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Some Benefits Of Gastric Bypass Surgery Houston Residents Need To Know

By Catherine Watson


Weight loss surgeries (also known as bariatric operations) are becoming increasingly common. The surgical option is particularly helpful to persons dealing with morbid obesity and in whom the traditional non-surgical options have failed to yield positive results. The objective of such operations is to reduce the capacity and surface area of the stomach which effectively reduces the amount of food absorbed. If they intend to have gastric bypass surgery Houston obese patients need to know a number of things.

Several criteria are used in selecting potential candidates to undergo the operation. One of them is that lifestyle options should have been tried for a period of six months or more. Such will include a proper diet and regular physical exercise. A proper diet should have a low amount of carbohydrate and protein and more vegetables and fruits. As for exercise, the minimum is thirty minutes of intense physical activity three to five days a week.

The potential candidate should ideally have a body mass index (or BMI) of at least 40. If this value is low then the benefits are limited. Exceptions to this rule exist. For instance, for patients that are suffering from weight related complications such as diabetes, hypertensive disease, cardiac conditions, gastro-esophageal disease and sleep apnea among others. A BMI value of between 35 and 40 is acceptable among these patients.

You need to undergo a comprehensive medical checkup before undergoing the surgery. This checkup includes giving a medical history of your condition and having to undergo a physical examination. The aim of such an evaluation determine suitability of a candidate and to rule out possible risks to the operation. A number of investigations may also be necessary. Examples include liver function tests, renal function tests and a full blood count among others.

There are various techniques of gastric bypass being used currently. One of the most commonly used types is the Roux-en-Y technique. In this approach, the first step is to fashion the stomach into a small pouch (equivalent to the size of an egg). The next step is to connect the pouch so formed to the second part of the intestine (the jejunum). The first portion is bypassed in this process.

The roux-en-Y uses smaller incisions compared to those needed for other surgical techniques. Associated complications are fewer and the resultant scar is also quite small and almost inconspicuous. Possible risks include the fact that the staples or silicon band used in fashioning the pouch of stomach may be eroded over time resulting in increased stomach size. Fortunately, this is quite rare.

Dumping syndrome is another complication that prospective candidates need to be aware of. Associated symptoms include generalized body weakness, diarrhea, sweating, nausea and fainting among others. All these symptoms are thought to be the result of food moving rapidly through the digestive tract. They typically are experienced are experienced thirty or so minutes after eating.

Gastric bypass surgeries are increasingly becoming an option for weight loss thanks to the rising prevalence of life threatening obesity all over the world. Newer techniques have not only made this operation effective but have also significantly reduced the rate of complications. It is important that one complements the operation with lifestyle changes if they are to realize maximum benefits.




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