Gastric By-Pass, one of the methods used in obesity surgery, is one of the most preferred surgical operations. The volume of the stomach is reduced with the gastric by-pass operation, which draws attention in obesity surgery with its successful results. Thus, the absorption of nutrients is reduced as the distance to the small intestine is shortened.
With this surgical operation, changes occur in the structure of the stomach and intestine. By reducing the stomach structure, food intake is restricted. With the change in the structure of the intestine, nutrient absorption is reduced. In this way, patients are satiated with less food and only part of the nutrients they consume are absorbed.
In Which Diseases Is Gastric By-Pass Surgery Used?
Gastric By-Pass, which is primarily a morbid obesity surgery, can also be applied for the treatment of many diseases that accompany obesity. Type 2 diabetes is the most common of these diseases. It is observed that positive results can be achieved with Gastric By-Pass surgery for patients with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes.
Gastric By-Pass surgery can be performed to treat type 2 diabetes as well as other comorbid conditions such as sleep apnea and hypertension. This surgery has been shown to reduce the long-term mortality rate of patients by up to 40%.
How is Gastric By-pass Surgery Performed?
Patients undergo a detailed examination by the doctor before proceeding to the gastric by-pass surgery. In addition to physical examinations, the patient is evaluated in detail by internal medicine and cardiology specialists before surgery.
The procedures performed during the surgery can be listed as follows:
- Gastric By-Pass is a type of surgery performed laparoscopically. However, robotic surgery method can also be preferred for the operation in recent years.
- The operation is performed through 4-6 punctures with a diameter of 1 cm.
- Just like in sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach shrinks in Gastric By-Pass surgery. Almost 95% of the stomach is bypassed during the operation.
- Using surgical techniques, a section of the stomach, which is divided in two, is inserted into the middle parts of the intestine by bypassing the duodenum. This prevents food from passing through the duodenum.
- Gastric By-pass surgery aims to both satiate patients by consuming less food and to ensure the absorption of some of the nutrients.
After Gastric By-pass Surgery
Patients are usually followed up in hospital for 4-6 days after gastric bypass surgery. The patient’s health status and recovery process are observed and necessary interventions are made. Before discharge, the dietitian plans the patient’s nutrition until the first check-up.
In the first year after gastric bypass surgery, patients are closely monitored by a general surgeon and diet specialist to monitor weight loss and health status. During this process, the patient is ensured to receive adequate nutrition and vitamin/mineral supplements. Support is also provided on increasing physical activity, stress management and other lifestyle changes. After gastric bypass, patients may need to take some vitamins and minerals intravenously or intramuscularly.
Side Effects After Surgery
Side effects of gastric bypass surgery include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, vitamin deficiencies and bowel problems. However, these side effects are usually temporary and disappear over time. Gastric bypass surgery can be an effective method for suitable candidates, but since it is a serious decision, it should be evaluated by a specialist doctor.
What Should be Taken into Consideration?
Other points that patients should pay attention to after gastric bypass surgery include the following:
- Changing eating habits after surgery,
- Keeping eating habits under control,
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking/alcohol
In this way, the patient’s weight loss and health improvement can be maximized.
Is Gastric By-pass a Risky Surgery?
Gastric bypass also carries risks that can be observed in many other abdominal surgeries. These risks include bleeding, infection, postoperative intestinal obstruction, hernia and complications of general anesthesia.
However, the most serious risk is leakage at the connection between the stomach and the small intestine after the procedure. This situation requires a second surgery. Blood clots in the feet and lungs (embolism) and heart problems may occur after gastric bypass surgery.
Serious risks are usually rare and treatable. Gastric bypass surgery is a highly effective method in the treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases, if performed and followed appropriately.
June 3, 2023
