How gastric bypass surgery can solve morbid obesity

Gastric bypass surgery moved to the limelight as a possible cure for morbid obesity during 1960 when the process was discovered by Dr. Mason and Dr. Ito. Patients, who have undergone gastric bypass for stomach ulcer, reported of weight loss post surgery and that lead to the idea of performing the surgery on morbidly obese individuals. Gastric bypass surgery method was refined over the decades to its current form of Roux-en-Y limb of intestine (RYGBP).

Who are morbidly obese?

But, before we get into the details of gastric bypass as a cure for obesity let us look at its definition to clear our ideas. Obesity occurs when an individual gains excess weight. The body mass index increases beyond 30. The excess fat accumulated in one's body can cause serious health issues and even affect one's life expectancy. A morbidly obese person may suffer from ailments like - diabetes, hyper tension, heart problems, arthritis etc. Excess weight can even interfere with one's normal ways of life.

Solution through gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery can offer more permanent solution for weight loss. During the surgery a part of one's stomach is removed to create a smaller sized stomach. The smaller intestine is then detached from original stomach and attached to the smaller pouch created by the doctor. It curbs one's hunger and since food doesn't come into contact with larger stomach size smaller amount of nutrient is only absorbed. Nowadays, thousands of patients are opting for RYGBP bypass for more permanent weight loss solution.

Gastric bypass changes the eating habit of the patient. Due to smaller sized stomach the patient fill full sooner and consume less amount of food. However, it is important to make an informed decision regarding gastric bypass surgery. Though doctors prefer Roux-en-Y limb of intestine surgery for stable solution and less complications post surgery many patients were reported suffering from symptoms like malnutrition, anemia etc. Often post surgery the patient is prescribed Vitamin B 1 (thiamine) and Vitamin B 12 to curb vitamin deficiency.

Since the food is also made to bypass the area of the stomach where calcium and iron absorption takes places anemia and osteoporosis are common complaints. Patients undergone gastric bypass are therefore recommended lifelong follow ups with their doctors.

Gastric bypass surgery, however, can improve one's overall quality of living and prompt one follow healthier lifestyle. It also improves health conditions resulting from morbid obesity such as - diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, arthritis, venous stasis disease, bladder incontinence, liver disease, heartburn, etc.

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