Stomach Surgery

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is done much more frequently in recent years, due in part to a steady increase in the number of patients that suffer from severe obesity. Another factor in the rise of such procedures is the increased awareness of the dangerous health effects of obesity. As more studies confirm the heightened risk of disease and premature death in obese patients, many physicians are reaching the conclusion that the health benefits of such procedures far outweigh the risk for complications of gastric bypass surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery changes the structure of the digestive system to aid in weight loss. The storage capacity of the stomach is reduced to restrict the amount of food the patient is able to consume at each meal, and a portion of the small intestine is bypassed to inhibit the absorption of calories. The combination of these two techniques, along with good nutritional planning and consistent exercise are very effective in reducing weight and maintaining the weight loss over time.

Complications of gastric bypass occur in a small percentage of patients, and can include infection, nutritional deficiencies, nausea and vomiting, hernia, ulcers, and bleeding at the staple line among others.

Obesity is a chronic health issue that can be very difficult to treat. Many people who suffer from severe obesity have tried a wide variety of weight loss plans without significant results. Even those who have managed to lose weight with these plans often lose the ground they gained over time, unable to maintain a healthy body weight. In such circumstances, the physician may recommend weight loss surgery, balancing its benefits in improved health against the potential complications of gastric bypass.

Severe obesity often contributes to the development of serious diseases and health issues, especially if excess weight has been a chronic condition. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes often result from obesity, and respiratory problems and joint damage are common as well. These health problems can significantly reduce the life expectancy of the severely obese patient. While the complications of gastric bypass procedures must be considered, often they can pose much less of a problem for the patient than chronic obesity.

Most patients that undergo Bariatric surgery to treat chronic obesity have good results, losing a substantial amount of weight. Health improvements are common, as the procedure makes maintaining weight loss easier, warding off the dangers of obesity related disease and disability. For these patients, given the opportunity for a normal and active life by the procedure, potential complications of gastric bypass are well worth the risk.

Privacy Policy |