Gastric bypass is performed to help the patient lose weight and avoid obesity-related complications and comorbidities. Some of these complications include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Obstructive sleep apnea
High cholesterol
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Infertility
Cancer
Gastric bypass surgery is often recommended as the last resort after failing to lose weight through dietary changes and physical exercise.
Gastric bypass surgery has similar qualifications to other weight loss or bariatric surgeries. These include:
A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
A BMI of 35 – 39.9 and serious obesity-related complications such as Type 2 diabetes, severe sleep apnea, or high blood pressure.
In some cases, you may also qualify for the surgery if you have severe weight-related complications but a BMI of 30 – 34.
Gastric bypass surgery is still not recommended for anyone suffering from obesity. There are specific medical guidelines you have to meet to qualify for the surgery. These qualifications are often checked during an intensive screening process before getting approval for the procedure.
You must also be willing to make permanent changes and lead healthier lifestyles. You may also have to commit to long-term follow-up plans, including monitoring your nutrition, medical conditions, lifestyle, and behavior.
Health insurance providers also follow strict qualification guidelines that dictate whether you’re covered for gastric bypass surgery. Thus, it is essential to visit your insurance provider’s office and determine if your policy covers the procedure.
Risks are associated with all surgical procedures. Bariatric surgery, which gastric bypass surgery falls under, has short-term and long-term side effects and complications. The most common side-effects and post-op risks include:
Acid reflux
Chronic nausea and vomiting
Anesthesia-related risks
Inability to eat certain foods
Esophagus dilation
Stomach obstruction
Infection
Weight gain or failure to lose weight
Some of the long-term risks include:
Dumping syndrome, which leads to dizziness and nausea
Malnutrition
Low blood sugar
Ulcers
Vomiting
Hernias
Bowel obstruction
Gastric bypass, specifically, carries the following risks:
Dumping syndrome
Breakage
Hernia
Gallstones
Leakage
Skin separation
Bowel obstruction
Pulmonary or cardiac problems
Protein or calorie malnutrition
Stomach or intestines perforation
Stomach or intestine ulceration
Spleen injury or injury to other organs
Vitamin or iron deficiency
Stricture
These complications and side effects are rarely fatal. There are also prevalent ones which include:
Gastric bypass surgery limits the quantity and kinds of food you can eat. Therefore, it limits the nutrients your body can absorb. Working with a nutritionist helps ensure that you’re getting the right kind of nutrients in your diet, reducing the risk of malnutrition.
Your nutritionist may advise you to subsidize your diet with supplements rich in:
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B12
Calcium
Iron
Stomal stenosis occurs when the new opening between the stomach and intestine tightens and narrows after gastric bypass surgery. The tightening and narrowing may cause vomiting after drinking or eating.
Stomal stenosis is easy to treat, but it should be addressed immediately. Thus, contact your doctor as soon as possible if you start vomiting after the procedure.
