Top Gastric Bypass Pros and Cons of Surgery

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.

Top Gastric Bypass Pros and Cons of Surgery picture of a surgery in process

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.

Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery Video – Report

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 Complications – Mayo Clinic Video

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.

Other articles you may find interesting if you found our Gastric Bypass Pros and Cons helpful:

Our Best Gastric Bypass Downside List

Gastric bypass surgeries are the most common bariatric surgical procedures performed nowadays. Bariatric surgical procedures are the term used to refer to weight-loss surgeries. There are more and more people who are choosing to have the procedure to avoid the risks brought by morbid obesity. But what are the Gastric Bypass Downside items to consider?

Gastric Bypass Downside article cover image

There are numerous benefits of getting a gastric bypass surgery. Those who have undergone surgery were expected to lose about 50 to 60% of their weight. Most of the patients would say that they reached the lowest point of their weight two years after their surgery.

In addition to weight loss, gastric bypass surgery could also resolve health issues associated with obesity. They could improve or lessen the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, sleep apnea, asthma, arthritis, joint pain, and even heart disease and cancer.

Gastric Bypass Downside

Those who have undergone gastric bypass surgical procedures are also exposed to risks and complications, just like in any other surgery. When considering getting this kind of weight-loss procedure, it is not only the benefits that you would have to know but also its risks and dangers.

Pulmonary Embolism is a condition where blood clots developing in the legs, which can get carried off to the lungs. Some techniques can be performed to prevent this kind of situation from happening, like using surgical compression stockings.

Peritonitis is also another condition when the stomach fluid leaks into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected. There is a need to seal the leak before it becomes a severe condition immediately.

Ulcers can develop among patients, 5 to 15 percent of the time.

It could also result in hernia or incision hernia, which is a weakness in the incision. It would often require surgical repair.

There are situations when the stomach moves too fast for the small intestine. This is often referred to as the dumping syndrome. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and sweating.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency are also possible complications of the surgery like anemia and vitamin D deficiency.

It could also cause problems in the kidney, like kidney stones.

Gallstones could also be a result of this operation.

Stomach ulcers could also develop, but this could be managed by the usual treatments used for ulcers.

Women who went through the procedure are recommended to avoid pregnancy for at least two years after the surgery. Pregnant women are required to take nutritional supplements like vitamins and minerals to get the proper nutrients for her and the baby.

Gastric bypass surgeries are not for everybody. It is often suggested to those who have a BMI of at least 40, or those who carry more than a hundred extra pounds. Everybody who would be undergoing the procedure would have to take a mental exam, for those who eat due to emotional problems are likely to fail in losing weight.

Gastric bypass surgeries have 2% of fatalities, one percent due to complications, and the other one percent would be brought by the failure of the patients to follow the dietary restrictions following the surgery. Before undergoing the procedure, it is essential to understand these consequences and be prepared to change our lifestyle.

Other posts you may find interesting:

The Benefits Of Gastric Bypass

Gastric surgery is one of the most common weight-loss surgeries, in the United States alone about 140,000 procedures are conducted yearly. Some people who have undergone surgery would report about 60% of improvement in their body weight. Others would say as much as 80% of weight loss. That is just one of the Benefits Of Gastric Bypass surgery.

Benefits Of Gastric Bypass surgery article cover image

The Benefits Of Gastric Bypass

The effects of the surgery would be most felt after a year, where most patients would report to be at their lowest weight. However, there could still be tendencies that the lost weight may be regained, especially if the dietary and exercise recommendations are not followed. After all, reducing your food intake is not the only way to lose weight and maintain it.

Gastric bypass is a procedure done to address issues of severe obesity. There are associated conditions with obesity like diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. There are about 80% of patients with hypertension will be off medication significant time after the surgery. The same goes for 90% of diabetic patients who will not be dependent on insulin.

It could even reduce the patient’s risk of having heart disease and cancer. Because of the weight loss, gastric bypass surgery could help a person improve mobility and flexibility. Gastric bypass surgery could lessen asthma attacks and reducing dependence on medication or inhaler. Arthritis, fatigue, joint pain, and shortness of breath due to physical movements are also reduced by weight loss brought by surgery.

Being extremely overweight could have a significant effect on the bladder and other organs of the body. They get too much pressure increasing stress incontinence. It could also cause hormonal problems, which could lead to infertility. Studies are showing that after undergoing the bypass, 90% of infertility is restored.

Because of the weight loss, some patients claimed that they increased their confidence and well-being is improved. Studies are showing that those who have undergone surgery would usually experience depression and anxiety. Counseling and support would help the individual to recover, and the psychological effects could be lessened or could disappear.

The National Institute of Health said that patients who have undergone bypass showed “dramatic and sustained” improvements in how they live their lives. They were able to go beyond the results of weight loss and improve their overall experience. They have higher self- esteem and higher energy levels after the surgery.

For example, gastric bypass surgeries that have been performed to obese teens were able to improve the quality of life within six months, some studies say. Aside from weight loss, their health improves and starts to become appropriate for their age. They were also able to socialize better and deal with peer pressure.

However, it is essential to understand that aside from the numerous benefits you can get from gastric bypass surgeries, there are also risks just like any other medical intervention or surgery. Morbidly obese patients have higher risks in operations compared with those who are not morbidly obese. It is important to weigh our options before we proceed to any procedure.

Other articles you may find interesting:

Gastric Sleeve and Kidney Problems

The number of people suffering from obesity every year is increasing; it is mainly about lifestyle and how people eat. To avoid the risks of obesity, more and more people are looking for other options for rapid weight-loss. About 140,000 people annually are finding gastric bypass surgeries an option for weight loss and reducing obesity and its health complications. One thing to consider? The combination of Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve and Kidney Problems.

Gastric Sleeve and Kidney Problems article cover image

Gastric Sleeve and Kidney Problems

Roux-en Y is the most common gastric bypass. In this procedure, a small and upper section of the stomach is separated by staples or bands to create a small pouch. This procedure would limit the amount of food the patient could consume. It could hold about an ounce of food but can expand to about 4 to 8 ounces of food after a few months. A Y-shaped section of the small intestines is attached to the stomach. This new shape would allow the food to bypass the upper portion of the intestines.

There are many benefits brought by gastric bypass surgery. Individuals who have undergone the procedure are said to reduce their weight with an average of 50 to 60%. Some would lose about 80% of their body weight two years after the surgery. The procedure can reduce diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, and even cancer risks. However, there are also downsides with this surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery is an effective way of losing weight and obesity-related health risks. However, there are studies showing concern about nephrolithiasis or the formation of kidney stones among those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. According to a paper presented in the 39th Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition of American Society of Nephrology, gastric bypass surgery increased the possibility of kidney stones.

This paper was not the first time that this kind of risk is identified with almost similar operations. In 1979, the Food and Drug administration had the jejunal ileal bypass under moratorium. This thought was because patients who had the procedure developed kidney stones five years after surgery.

Currently, studies are showing that those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery would experience changes in the chemical composition of their urine. These changes eventually can lead to the formation of kidney stones. After the gastric bypass surgery, the level of oxalate increased. This chemical, when bound with calcium, can cause an increase in kidney stones.

Another cause could be the production of low levels of citrate. Citrate dissolves crystals, which can cause kidney stones. Low citrate levels and high levels, a combination that leads to an increase of calcium oxalate supersaturation. This increases or a strong factor or risk for having kidney stones. Other chemicals that also contribute to kidney stone formation like uric acid and potassium remain unchanged before and after the surgery.

A study conducted by Mayo Clinic showed that those who have undergone the procedure for the last six months had not developed this kind of chemical change. This condition could be avoided, or the risk is reduced by undergoing some dietary changes. Doctors would recommend an increase in the intake of fluids, low-protein, and low-salt diet, and a regular calcium diet.

Other articles you may find interesting:

Long Term Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery

Want to lose weight but afraid to go under the knife? Listen up. Your long-time battle with the bulge will end for good with one solution: gastric bypass surgery. It involves changing the digestive system to change your appetite; that way, you eat and digest less amount of food. Aside from the significant weight loss, the surgery also helps minimize the risk of developing obesity-related diseases. You can have Instant and Long-Term Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Instant and Long-Term Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery article cover image

Instant and Long-Term Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery

Also called the Roux-en-Y surgery, the procedure primarily entails making a walnut-sized pouch at the upper stomach and putting a bypass around a portion of the small intestine and the stomach. Consequently, the food you eat bypasses most of the stomach and restricts the ability of your digestive system to take in calories. Hence, the term bypass surgery. Surgeons perform this operation using a small tube called a laparoscope that creates small incisions in the abdomen.

A small video camera is attached to the instrument. This device enables the surgeon to see the inside of the abdomen. The laparoscopic technique is generally preferred over the traditional open bypass surgery that makes large incisions in the abdomen. Compared to the open bypass surgery, the laparoscopic procedure is less risky and less painful because of the small incisions. Also, it results in a shorter recovery period.

The procedure starts with the stapling of the patient’s stomach at the top of it to seal this area off from the rest of the stomach. As a result, the sealed portion of the pouch will be able to contain only an ounce of food. Separated from the entire stomach, the pouch is then connected to a small part of the small intestine. To be able to achieve that, the surgeon cuts a small part of the small intestine and sews it onto the pouch.

The surgery is not for everyone, though. There are certain risks involved, and a prospective patient must understand them before undergoing surgery. If you plan to experience the weight loss surgery, consult a surgeon and ask all your concerns regarding the procedure. Usually, the surgeon explains the things you should expect during and after the surgery.

Before the surgery, you will be given anesthetics to keep you asleep during the operation. The anesthesia is usually in the form of an intravenous (IV) line or analgesics. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a tube into your nose down to the top of the stomach. To heal the staple line on the stomach, the tube is joined to a suction machine that empties the stomach pouch after the surgery. The surgery lasts for about two to four hours, but you will need to stay in the hospital for around three to five days for recovery.

Expect some diet and lifestyle changes after the weight loss surgery. One to three days after the procedure, you will not eat anything to allow your stomach to heal. Then, for about three months, you will follow a diet that starts with liquids, progresses to soft and pureed foods, and lastly, to regular foods. You will have to be cautious with your food intake because eating huge meals can cause extreme pain under the breastbone and vomiting.

Also, you will notice some changes in your body and behavior three to six months after the gastric bypass surgery. These include dry skin, hair thinning, fatigue, body pains, and mood swings. These will be your body’s reactions to the quick weight loss resulting from the surgery.

Other posts that may be helpful: