Gastric Bypass Information - Stay Informed

Gastric Bypass is a surgical procedure for treating excessive weight, in which the digestive system is made smaller by reducing the size of the stomach and length of the intestines. It is recommended for critically obese persons and where other weight loss programs have failed. There are four types of gastric bypass operations for treating morbid obesity.

Gastric Bypass Information - Procedure

The first step divides the stomach to create a very small pocket of the upper stomach. Surgical staples are used to partially or fully divide the stomach. Full partitioning is recommended so that the two stomachs don't fistulize (heal back together again). Next, the stomach and intestines are reconnected by bypassing part of the small intestine which reduces the digestion time. This enables one to eat smaller amounts of food and absorb less of it into the body.

Gastric bypass lasts between one to three hours and the two main types of operation are open surgery or keyhole (laparoscopic). In open surgery a skin incision of about 30cm is made on the upper abdomen and then resealed with staples and stitches after surgery. Keyhole surgery is less invasive whereby several small cuts are made on the upper abdomen. One cut is for inserting a special telescopic camera, which is attached on the other end to a video screen for the surgeon to observe his actions inside the body. The other cuts are for inserting various surgical tools. At the end of the surgery the small cuts are stitched up.

Gastric Bypass Information - Pre-operation preparation

Preparations for the operation comprise of changes in eating habits and lifestyle to ensure the best possible results. For example smoking is discouraged due to the increased risk of wound infection. To minimize the chances of blood clots in the legs you may be asked to wear compression stockings or be given anti-clotting medication. Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and urine, are tested regularly.

The surgery normally requires a four to five day stay at the hospital. A general (full body) anesthesia is applied so you cannot eat or drink at least six hours prior to the operation. However, the anesthesiologist may permit small sips of water just prior to the surgery. All patients sign a consent form that covers the risks and benefits plus gives your permission for the surgery to proceed.

Gastric Bypass Information - Post operation

Full recovery takes up to six weeks. Immediately after the gastric bypass you may receive pain medication to relieve discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. For a short period a bladder catheter might be used to drain urine into a bag. You may have a stomach tube through your nose to drain excess air and fluids in the stomach that cause nausea and bloating. Also, electric pads maybe used to massage the legs against the formation of clots. Patients will be encouraged to walk around a little to prevent blood clots and chest infections. Initially, only fluids will be consumed, then you will graduate to pureed meals and then to controlled intake of solid meals. Diet will be strictly monitored and key lifestyle changes are recommended.

Information on Obesity

Like many people I am always concerned about my weight. Don't get me wrong I eat junk food and I do enjoy my food but I'd like to think that I eat it in moderation and also watch my weight and what I eat. Obesity is seen as an extremely bad thing but until recently I didn't know what causes it and what it is other than eating too much and becoming over weight. I've written the following article to inform you about Obesity, I hope the following article helps.

Obesity can seriously affect your health and can be a major concern, and can affect both females and males and people of all ages from young children to old people. In the last thirty years the number of obesity cases has trebles and is estimated to continue to higher rates.

This can cause-
• Stress
• Depression
• Long term health problems

Some people can struggle to lose weight with natural dieting and exercise and they may need to seek medical advice and take a medication to help with weight lose. The two main options are

• Xenical
• Reductil

This problem is when people become seriously overweight for their height and excess fat is often the cause as opposed to muscle weight. This can increase over time and result in obese people.

This is caused by a continuous poor diet; eating foods high in calories and love in goodness and nutrients. A lack of exercise can also be a cause. Other possible cause of obesity is-

• Stress
• Insomnia
• Muscle Loss
• Antidepressants
• Hormone problems such as underactive thyroid other polycystic ovarian syndrome.

This problem can often run in the family and you need a high determination to prevent yourself from following the trend.

I hope my article has helped.