Gastric Bypass Pros and Cons? Gastric Bypass is a weight loss surgery that has both positive and negative factors associated with it. It is intended to achieve the ulterior goal of shedding weight effectively, especially for those who find it very hard to lose weight “naturally.” But, interestingly, gastric bypass is not only used to shed weight but also to improve other aspects of the body.
Obesity can have a terrible effect on an individual as it contributes to joint pains, emotional and psychological distress, and so much more. But with each negative feature, there is a positive side to the lifestyle change.
Gastric Bypass Pros and Cons
For those who have done gastric bypass, the experience may vary both during the operation and after. However, one common factor is that the first 1-2 years after the surgery should be used as an “adjustment” period. So, when you weigh both sides of the operation…what are you up against?
Advantages of Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass has numerous benefits for the body – both directly and indirectly. One of the major advantages is that you are offered the chance to shed excess weight that may have been harmful to your health. So, aside from losing weight, here are some of the other health benefits of gastric bypass…
Reduce Chances of Heart Attack
Being overweight is a disaster for you as this increases cardiac issues and your chance of getting a heart attack. Not eliminating the fact that slim people can’t get heart failure, but the chances of this happening are relatively low.
With heavy weight and body mass, the heart is placed under immense pressure to allow blood circulation efficiently; thus, the heart is affected by the lack of oxygen and blood. Also, the body is not flexible, which increases the risk of too much pressure. Having a successful gastric bypass surgery will help your cholesterol to lower and your blood circulation to improve.
Gastric Bypass and High Blood Pressure
Numerous activities increase your chances of developing high blood pressure, such as having a diet high in salt or cholesterol. Other conditions that may contribute to a high BP are chronic illnesses like diabetes, kidney problems, or hereditary condition.
Having on some extra pounds could also contribute as your body might be lethargic and does not work out too often. After doing the surgery, your diet will be altered to consume less salt and fat-based foods. Also, circulation will improve, and your stress levels might also be improved.
Gastric Bypass and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common thing for many people, especially those who might be obese or have extra pounds than what their age and height required. Many factors cause the condition, and many people are sometimes required to use a CPAP machine while they sleep.
The idea of having your breathing following an irregular pattern of on and off during sleep can be a serious issue and should be treated to avoid further complications. Gastric bypass helps the body to lose extra weight and improve the other areas of the body.
Research has shown that more than 80 percent of people who do the surgery have had their sleep apnea disappear.
Type 2 Diabetes
There are generally two types of diabetes…type 1 and 2…and even though reports show type 2 to be a little milder than type one, it still can cause some serious health conditions.
Based on reports, gastric bypass surgery has shown that it has the ability to eliminate the onset of the disease and rid it from the body. For obese patients, it is more effective and reduces the daily intake of insulin and other medications for up to three years after a successful surgery.
There are many other advantages of gastric bypass surgery for patients to experience aside from those detailed above, but those are the top of the list!
Disadvantages of Gastric Bypass
With every advantage one experiences from a condition, there might be a few negatives or drawbacks associated with it. For those who have done gastric bypass or those desiring to do the operation, here are a few disadvantages you might experience…
Gastric Bypass and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is more commonly called heartburn, pyrosis, or acid indigestion and is the process by which acidic stomach juice goes back up into the esophagus. The feeling can be quite uncomfortable and comes most times with a burning sensation.
When an individual does gastric bypass, the potential of developing or increasing the levels of acid reflux is in high gear. It may not happen directly following the surgery but can develop a few years later down the line. After all, eating will be severely altered; thus, digestion will also be completely different.
Chronic Nausea and Vomiting
Having an efficient digestive system is critical in reducing the chances of vomiting from poor digestion and nausea. After doing gastric bypass, the chances of having constant nausea and increased vomiting will become a normal factor you have to deal with.
Eating will be altered and in small quantities for the most part, so, even at points when you might feel hungry, the feeling your stomach sends off might leave you losing your appetite.
Gastric Bypass and Dilation of Esophagus
Gastric Bypass surgery might result in esophageal dilation, which is the process of stretching a narrowed area of the esophagus, more commonly called the swelling tube. Doctors may use various ways to get the procedures done, which will not result in the most comfortable feeling.
Inability to Eat Certain Foods
This is the part that causes many people to regret doing the procedure in the first place. After gastric bypass surgery, your favorite food may now be rejected as you no longer have an appetite to eat it, and even the smell tends to turn you off.
In reality, seeing your “food bag” or “pouch” is now much smaller, you will eat less, which means a lot of food will have to be left out, and supplements have to be taken in other forms to get certain nutrients.
I can no longer stand Gyros.
Gastric Bypass and Infection
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common, and many people experience this problem after doing certain surgeries. For gastric bypass, the rate of those who experience these infections is relatively high – up to 15 percent.
Certainly, this may seem like a small amount, but due to the developing complications it comes with, the numbers are high. Besides, SSIs mainly happen when people who are obese do surgeries, and gastric bypass is one such.
Weight Fluctuation
The main goal of gastric bypass is to help the patient lose weight or find a way to stabilize their weight. However, not all patients who do the surgery actually see the intended result as either their weight increases or they don’t lose weight. It might sound strange to many that one can actually gain weight after the surgery, but it is quite possible based on your new diet.
Bear in mind, if you were up to 300 pounds before the surgery and cut down to 200 or 150, you can’t eat the same amount of calories and expect to lose weight. Even though you are eating less, food choice plays an integral role.
You need to really follow your doctor’s instructions, not drink when you eat, balance carbs and protein, as well as watching your portion sizes. This is a TOOL that you will have to actually use and many do not.
Gastric Bypass and Obstruction of Stomach
This is by far one of the most feared complications developed after gastric bypass surgery and one of the reasons many people reconsider doing the operation. Small bowel obstruction (SBO) can become chronic or acute, and if not careful, it can result in a life-threatening issue. It could be a result of an internal hernia.
The bottom line? You need to do your research before any major surgery. Balance the Gastric Bypass Pros and Cons, talk to your surgical team, and make an educated decision.
