Gastric bypass, formally known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a type of bariatric surgery primarily aimed at aiding significant weight loss in individuals with severe obesity. This surgical procedure involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and directly connecting it to the small intestine. After gastric bypass, swallowed food will go into this small stomach pouch and then directly into the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and the first segment of the small intestine (duodenum).
This process achieves weight loss by several mechanisms:
- Restrictive: The smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food that can be comfortably eaten at one time.
- Malabsorptive: Bypassing a portion of the small intestine reduces the amount of nutrients and calories that the body absorbs.
- Hormonal Changes: The surgery affects gut hormones that impact hunger and satiety, as well as blood sugar control.
Candidates for gastric bypass surgery typically include individuals who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet and exercise, and those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with serious coexisting medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea.
The procedure has demonstrated effectiveness in achieving significant long-term weight loss, improving or resolving comorbidities, and increasing quality of life. However, it requires a lifelong commitment to dietary changes, vitamin/mineral supplementation, and medical follow-up. Potential risks and complications include nutrient deficiencies, surgical complications, and the need for revision surgery.
Gastric bypass is considered a major operation and should only be considered after thorough evaluation and counseling regarding the potential benefits and risks.
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