Overview of Gastric Bypass Surgery and its Side Effects on General Health

Abstract

Gastric Bypass is a common laparoscopic surgery which is used not only for weight loss in patients with severe obesity (almost BMI over 40), but also for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes type II and cardiovascular problems. Surgical technique will divide the stomach into two small and large pouches where the small pouch would be on the top of the stomach and near the cardia with the aim of reduction in volume of the stomach. Small portion will directly connect to the small intestine for absorption of nutrients. This procedure is reversible because all stomach part will remain inside the body and they are just separated with surgical stapler. After the surgery, amount of food will directly enter to the small pouch and intestine, this phenomenon restricts the amount of calorie intake and leads to body weight loss. Weight loss with the gastric bypass averages between 65 to 75% of excess weight that is relate to genetic and physiologic status of each individuals. Despite of advantages and successful rate of gastric bypass surgery all over the world, there are some problems and surgical side effects which could stay with the patients during their whole life. Vitamin deficiency especially vitamin B12, mineral deficiency like Ca, Fe are common side effects that oblige each patient to use supplements during their whole life. Following gastric bypass, patient may experience any intolerance to certain types of food, particularly fatty foods and sweets that can lead to unpleasant symptoms like: sweating, nausea, shaking, diarrhea and abdominal pain. This condition known as dumping syndrome. The patient may lose rapid large amount of weight in the first few months of the surgery. Despite of this is what the patient is looking for, it’s crucial to lose weight in healthy way to avoid other side effects such as the hair loss and fatigue. Failure to lose weight can happen regarding overeating which can lead stretching pouch and dilation of anastomosis