Bariatric Bypass Surgery - Weight Loss Surgery

The background of bariatric surgery dates back for decades, but only in recent years have new technologies become available that aid in the overall success rate of this procedure. At this point, bariatric bypass surgery is very safe and common.

BBS / Weight Loss Surgery - Are you a Candidate?

The best candidates for bariatric bypass surgery are those patients with a BMI of at least 40 or those with a BMI between 35 and 39 with one obesity-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes or heart problems. Obviously, candidates need to be seriously overweight, and a full examination will be administered before any recommendation on a procedure will be made.

Bariatric Bypass Procedures & Risk

As in any case, there are risks associated with any surgery, but specific to this procedure, the risks are generally identified as potential infections, bleeding and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Down the road, complications that could arise include leaking at one of the staple lines in the stomach, pneumonia and in rare cases, dumping syndrome, whereby the stomach contents move too quickly through the small intestine, resulting in nausea.

Where Bariatric Surgery is Performed

Where surgery is performed involves a relatively standard answer. Since this surgery involves entry into the abdomen, it’s almost always performed in a hospital.

Anesthesia for Bariatric Bypass Surgery

Given the complexity of this procedure, patients are placed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia means that the patient will be unconscious during the procedure and will awake when it’s complete.

Planning for Bariatric Bypass Surgery

Planning for surgery is a collaborative effort between you and your cosmetic surgeon. Planning for surgery involves a properly-completed pre-op exam and the formulation of guidelines relating to diet, sleep and exercise both prior to and following the procedure.

Preparing for Bariatric Bypass Surgery

The pre-op evaluation for any prospective recipient of bariatric bypass surgery is extensive and thorough. Among the things that will be examined will be your weight, your BMI, your eating habits, your overall medical history and your psychological preparedness for both the procedure and the very involved routine that you’ll need to follow strictly if your procedure will ultimately be seen as a success.

How Bariatric Surgery is Performed

How surgery is performed involves a complicated answer, but generally speaking, the doctor will insert a small pouch in the abdominal cavity to in effect bypass the existing stomach.

Recovery from a Bariatric Bypass Surgery

Post-op considerations are extensive, and need to be followed closely for the underlying procedure to be a success. These post-op considerations involve adhering to a strict diet and obtaining after-care to measure your progress. It will take some time to return to your normal activities. For instance, you will not be able to eat anything for at least two days after your surgery, and your return to eating regular, solid foods usually takes up to 12 weeks. Otherwise, you’ll need to slowly begin an exercise program, usually consisting of walks, as soon as you have the energy to do so.

Bariatric Bypass Surgery Questions & Answers

Where are Incisions Placed for Bariatric Bypass Surgery?

When performing bariatric bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach and adds a bypass around a segment of your small intestine. The surgeon then staples your stomach across the top, sealing it from the rest of your stomach, creating a much smaller area for food to rest. Incisions are usually placed in the abdominal region to perform these tasks.

What are Some Variations to the Common Bariatric Bypass Surgery Method?

Given the degree of technicality with bariatric bypass surgery, there are very few, if any, common variations to the procedure. The pouch needs to be placed in a standard location in order to work properly, the stomach needs to be stapled to prevent complications and the incisions are generally placed in the same area to access the organs that need to be handled. If variations are needed, the best course of action may be an entirely different procedure altogether.

What Can I Expect the Day of Bypass Surgery to be Like?

The day of your bypass surgery will be exciting, nerve-racking, fun and stressful all at once. You need to remember that these are all normal emotions, and if you’re prepared for them you’ll handle them well. Otherwise, you will be placed under general anesthesia, and the surgery itself will be something you don’t remember.

How Will I look and Feel Immediately Following the Bypass Surgery?

Given the fact that you will be under the influence of general anesthesia, you will feel groggy and a bit confused immediately after the surgery, as this is always the case when regaining consciousness. Otherwise, you can expect to be a bit sore, and you’ll have a hard time moving around for a day or two after the procedure is complete, but these conditions are temporary.

How Long Can I Expect Results to Last?

The after-care discipline required of this surgery is strict and detailed. If you want the surgery’s effects to last you for the rest of your life, you need to follow them and to always be conscious of what you’re eating. This surgery is basically a stepping stone to a lifestyle change, and if you follow the plan, you can expect a lifetime of positive results.

If you’d like to know more about how weight loss surgery can change your life, contact a board certified bariatric weight loss surgeon today for a consultation.

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Bariatric Bypass - Bariatric Surgery

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