Gastric bypass is a bariatric surgery whose primary, but not exclusive, goal is weight loss. The principle of the procedure, regardless of the technique used, is the same - to reduce the size of the stomach to achieve an early feeling of satiety.
There are many statistics showing how bariatric surgery, and gastric bypass in particular, provides benefits in terms of a 29% reduction in overall mortality, with cancer mortality in particular being reduced by 60% and diabetes mortality by 90%.
Definition of obesity
The definition of obesity is based on such a parameter as BMI (body mass index, i.e. the ratio between weight in kg and height in meters). The following categories of patients are distinguished: From 25 to 29.9: overweight. From 30 to 34.9: obesity of the 1st degree. From 35 to 39.9: obesity of the 2nd degree . From 40 to 49.9: obesity of the 3rd degree. Above 50: obesity of the 4th degree.
Gastric bypass indicated?
It is important to understand that bariatric surgery is not the treatment of choice for all obese patients, but is only indicated if all non-surgical weight loss efforts (diet, behavioral therapy, medications) have failed. The surgery is indicated for obese patients with a BMI over 40, for whom no medical or dietary treatment has resulted in weight loss, and for patients with a BMI of 35 to 40 with serious medical conditions such as sleep apnea , diabetes, and joint pain.
The following conditions must be met: the surgical risk must be acceptable; the patient must be informed and give consent; the patient must demonstrate his/her motivation to follow a series of recommendations that will be provided to maintain weight within the established limits. There must be no psychiatric pathologies or substance abuse that could affect the weight loss process.
Benefits of Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass has a number of advantages over other methods ( gastric banding , biliopancreatic diversion). These are: significant and sustainable weight loss, during the first year you will lose about 50-75% of your body weight, although after 1-2 years the weight loss will slow down. Diseases such as diabetes and hypercholesterolemia pass faster.
Preparation for surgery and anesthesia
Depending on the patient’s overall condition, various blood tests will be performed. During the visit to the anesthesiologist, the blood test results and current home therapy relevant to the procedure, such as antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy, will be reviewed. On the day of surgery, you will need to fast before entering the operating room. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The duration of gastric bypass surgery is 2 to 3 hours, depending on the technical complexity.
How is it performed? Gastric bypass surgery can be performed in two ways: open, i.e. through an abdominal incision, and laparoscopic , which involves making three small incisions in the abdomen through which the necessary instruments are inserted. The advantages of the laparoscopic technique include a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain and, therefore, less use of painkillers. Plus, a better aesthetic result (there is no obvious scar on the abdomen from open surgery).
After surgery Gastric bypass surgery will require a follow-up visit with the dietitian to discuss the diet to be followed for a month after surgery, followed by further visits to assess weight loss and adjust the diet. Periodic check-ups with the bariatric surgery team will also be scheduled to assess overall progress.
