Your Gastric Bypass And How It Will Affect Your Life.

By Andrew Wills

Most of us know that we could do with losing a bit of weight in order that we can look and feel better. But for people who are very overweight losing weight is an essential action to prevent major health problems. Exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to do this. But for some people it just doesn't work. For these people surgery is an option. A gastric bypass is one surgery option.

Obesity can cause all manner of health problems such as diabetes, some forms of cancer and heart disease. By having gastric, or bariatric, surgery you can decrease your chances of suffering from these illnesses hugely. Not only this but if you are getting surgery your life expectancy immediately increases.

For surgery to be carried out there are certain requirements that need to be met. A patients body mass index has to be 40 or above. For patients with health problems caused by weight surgery can be carried out if their BMI is over 35. A person also has to have made exhaustive attempts to lose weight through conventional methods such as diet and exercise before surgery will be considered.

The surgery for a gastric bypass involves the division of the stomach in two as well as the rearrangement of the small intestine leading to a reduction of food capacity of over 90%. The surgery is done under a general anaesthetic so that you are totally unaware of what is happening to you and you feel no pain. You will be in the operating theater for between one and two hours.

Due to the changed shape and size of, as well as the trauma to, the stomach the amount and type of the food you eat has to be different from what you what you would normally consume. Your surgeon will advise you on specifics but as a general rule you will have to drink clear fluids for the first two days. After this you will probably be moved on to pureed food for a while. Eating a diet high in fiber and protein and low in sugar and fat.

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.

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