THE DURING AND AFTER SURGERY EXPECTATIONS ON GASTRIC BYPASS

One thing that gastric bypass surgery candidate must be aware of, is that they are not just undergoing a weight loss procedure, but a digestive system change. Gastric bypass surgery is the widely practiced bariatric (weight loss) procedure nowadays and it is known to be the safer type, plus it guarantees a reduced number of complications than any other procedures. Although this is highly recommended, this is still not for everybody. As always, the doctor or medical expert will have to decide on which practice must be followed in accordance to the situation or condition of the patient.

Just before a major operation is to be decided on, the patient must take some time to understand how the surgery will be performed and the possible changes that must be taken to contribute to the better outcome of the operation.

So how is the surgery done?

The first step is for the surgeon to make a small pouch out of your stomach, about the size of a walnut which is just enough to contain an ounce of food. This is situated at the top of the said digestive organ and is separated from its origin. A bypass will be added on the area of the stomach and small intestine as well. Then the stomach will be stapled across the top to seal the whole organ. The bypass, however, is necessary, as the intestine is cut and connected to the created pouch. This new route will redirect the food, so it goes shortcut to the second section of the small intestine, wherein calorie absorption is reduced (this usually occurs on digestion in the first section of the small intestine).

On the other hand, some practitioners use a different method in operating. This is by using a laparoscope, a small, tubular, camera-equipped tool that is inserted in the incision made in the abdomen. This is used to further view the abdomen interior better, without fully opening that area of the body.

During the Surgery…

Before the surgery is done, common practice of giving the patient general anesthesia is performed, either letting the patient inhale analgesics or agent through IV line.  During the procedure, the tube will be inserted through your nose until it reaches the upper part of the stomach, the upper and smaller pouch, for which, the tube will remain overnight. This apparatus has a significant role in the healing process. As this is connected to a suction machine, it will keep the pouch empty, allowing the staple line to heal faster.

Another tube will be placed in the bypassed stomach. This time, it will remain in the area, coming out on the side of the abdomen, within four to six weeks after the four hours gastric bypass surgery.

And now…after the surgery…

The patient may be prohibited to eat for up to three days! This is needed for the stomach to completely heal. But there’s nothing to be worried about. There is a special diet that will be followed within 12 weeks’ time. To ease out the discomfort, liquids will be the introduction to the newly arranged digestion, followed by softened or mashed foods, until one is ready for the regular, solid food. Since the pouch that will be receiving the food, as mentioned earlier, is reduced in size, minimal eating will be adapted, as well as careful selection and intake as it might induce vomiting or pain. This will then result to weight loss and discipline in eating since the patient will feel full immediately.