Health Network News

We all know that leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise will help us to keep fit and slim. But for some people who are morbidly obese this isn’t enough to avoid the onset of major health problems. In this case sometimes surgery such as a gastric bypass is often the best option.

The umbrella term for any type of gastric surgery is bariatric surgery and there is no doubt that this type of surgery can have enormous benefits. Life expectancy is extended when gastric surgery is carried out. Other health benefits are a reduction in the incidence of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer

Not just any one can walk in to a doctors and get gastric surgery. You must meet certain criteria such as having a body mass index of over 40. People with a BMI of over 35 are considered if they have co existing health problems. But before you will even be considered for surgery you must have tried to lose weight by dieting. Exercising and medication.

The operation takes between 1 and 3 hours and consists of a procedure designed to divide the stomach into two chambers. The small intestine is also re sited. This is all done to ensure that the stomachs capacity for food is reduced by over 90%. The patient will not feel any pain or sensation during the surgery as it is carried out under general anaesthetic.

After surgery it is important that the patient is advised on their diet. For the first two days the patient should only sip at clear liquids as the stomach has changed completely in size and shape and needs time to heal. After a few days pureed food is introduced. It is vital that the individual sticks to a high protein and fiber diet with a low sugar and fat intake.

As with any surgery there are risks. Although the majority of people have no problems following surgery there are some people who suffer from a condition called dumping. This occurs when too much sugar is consumed and can lead to an individual feeling anxious and suffering from a very rapid heart beat. It is also possible that further surgery may be required if there have been any complications during the initial surgery.

It is vitally important that the patient makes drastic lifestyle and diet changes after surgery to ensure that weight is lost and stays lost. It can be extremely difficult for the first month or so for the patient. Previous to the operation food may have played a large part in a persons life and to change this attitude can be difficult. In the long term however the benefits to a persons health are worth any sacrifices a person has to make.