Atrium Health Navicent Weight Management
Gastric Bypass
If you are looking for a way to lose weight after being obese for months or years, then consider gastric bypass. This is a procedure for those who are considered morbidly obese and have tried everything else that is available to lose weight, such as exercise and dieting.
Candidates
Doctors will look at for those who are interested in gastric bypass a few things. Those who do not meet the requirements usually will not be approved until they fall into a category that is safe enough to undergo the procedure. Most doctors will weigh the patient at the office during the first visit and talk with the patient about the foods that are consumed during the day. Once the patient shows the doctor that a certain amount of weight can be lost before the surgery, then the approval is often granted. Ideal candidates for gastric bypass are those who have a body mass index of 40 or greater. Your overall health will be examined to make sure you can safely have the surgery as well as your psychological status to determine if you are ready to lose weight and see the effects of weight loss.
The Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that will make the stomach smaller so that you do not consume as many calories. However, it is important to eat healthy foods so that they body has all of the nutrients and vitamins that are needed. The length of the procedure will depend on the size of the patient, as the doctor will have to go through the abdominal wall in order to reach the stomach. There could be scar tissue or a large amount of fat to get through, preventing the surgery from being completed in a short time.
Another option is for the doctor to make a small hole in the small intestine and a small hole in the pouch of the stomach. All of the food that you eat will go to the small intestine, which means that your body will not absorb as many calories. This will begin the weight loss process. The type of procedure will depend on how much weight you want to lose and how difficult it is to reach the stomach and the intestine.
Most gastric bypass surgeries are laparoscopic. This is when small incisions are made in the abdomen instead of the doctor cutting the stomach open. All of the instruments that are used are placed through the small holes. This type of surgery is often easier to recover from, and it does not take as long to complete. You will also find that the scars are minimal, which boost the self-esteem later on once you can begin to lose weight.
After the Surgery
Once you are home, it is important to monitor the foods that you eat. Consume small amounts. Try to get protein instead of carbohydrates, as the protein will give you strength to exercise, which will lead to more weight loss. Avoid sodas as they fill the stomach with air and make you feel full faster without providing any nutrients. Keep all appointments after the surgery so that they doctor can check your weight loss and make sure the stomach is healing, as it should.