Gastric Bypass
The surgical procedure that makes the stomach smaller and bypasses part of the small intestines is called a gastric bypass. This course of action is often referred to as Bariatric surgery and is generally reserved for those individuals who are considered morbidly obese. Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body’s physical standards. To be considered for one of the surgical weight loss approaches a person needs to be at least 100lbs over the average for their height and weight and have a BMI greater than 40.
Gastric bypass is the favored bariatric surgery for safety and minimal complications when accompanied with behavior modifications. This surgery changes the anatomy of the digestive system, allowing for smaller amounts of food to be eaten and digested. For those who have been unable to lose weight through conventional methods of diet, exercise and or medications is an option for them.
Surgical procedures to limit the intake of calories are considered either restrictive, malabsorptive or a combination of both. Restrictive procedures are based on the premise that if the stomach is smaller, it will full faster and fewer calories will be consumed. Malabsorptive procedures involve altering digestion by bypassing the stomach to the small intestine which limits the absorption of calories, in so doing weight loss is the result. A combination of malabsorption and restrictive procedures are done to take advantage of both types of calorie restriction. The most common and successful combined surgery is called the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.
Once the weight has been decreased there is excess skin which can cause functional as well as aesthetic issues for a patient. The skin is fairly forgiving and can accommodate weight loss, but large amounts of rapid weight loss may require this excess skin to be removed. Several procedures are available to lift or eliminate excess sagging skin such as tummy tuck, body lifts, breast reduction, lifts, and liposuction. |
