Tag: weight loss surgery

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.

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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.

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Does Gastric Bypass Surgery Cure Diabetes?

Does Gastric Bypass Surgery Cure Diabetes? Diabetes is a serious condition that impairs the ability of the body to process blood sugar, which is also known as blood glucose. It is a severe and complex medical condition that affects the entire body. It requires stringent self-care, and if complications do arise, then Diabetes can have a severe impact on the quality of life and even reduce life expectancy. At present, there is no definite cure for Diabetes, but one can live an enjoyable life just by managing the condition and learning more about the disease.

Does Gastric Bypass Cure Diabetes?

There are mainly three types of Diabetes – all are serious and complex. The three types are – type 1, type 2, and gestational Diabetes. However, it is essential to note here that although type 1 and type 2 diabetes can stem from being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle, some diabetes is present from childhood days.

How is the body affected by Diabetes?

When someone develops Diabetes, the body is unable to maintain the optimum level of glucose in the body. Glucose is a form of sugar that the body uses as the primary source of energy. However, abnormal levels of glucose can lead to serious health complications in the future. For the conversion of glucose into power, the body uses a hormone called insulin. When the production of insulin becomes irregular or is no longer produced, a person develops the condition of Diabetes. The glucose is then not turned into energy and stays in the blood, which results in high blood glucose levels. The blood glucose level can be monitored through self-care and regular treatment. There are two things about Diabetes that should be remembered at all times –

  • All types of Diabetes are complex and require management and daily care.
  • The medical condition of Diabetes never discriminates; anybody can develop Diabetes.

How is Diabetes treated?

If a person is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the doctor will surely advise lifestyle changes for the betterment of health and to support weight loss. A person who has been diagnosed with Diabetes will be asked to meet a nutritionist as only a specialized person can help a person afflicted with Diabetes to lead an active and balanced life. A person must also take necessary steps to reduce his Body Mass Index so that he can manage his condition without any medication or with only minimal medicines.

The use of insulin

People with Type 1 diabetes and some people with Type 2 diabetes may be prescribed by the doctor to inject or inhale insulin so that the blood sugar levels do not become too high. Some people may have to use insulin regularly to maintain a low blood glucose level consistently. If you are taking insulin, then self-monitoring is essential to detect episodes of very low glucose.

The insulin helps people to leave an active lifestyle and stories of sportsperson extending his career with the help of insulin is not unheard of. However, in addition to insulin, a doctor may advise other types of medicines to keep the Diabetes under control.

 

How can Gastric Surgery help Diabetes?

Diet and medical therapy have minimal short-term success for severe obesity, and the percentage for long-term success is almost zero. Weight loss surgery or Bariatric surgery, which was only used for treating obese patients, is now being explored as a cure for Type 2 diabetes. There have been pioneering studies in this matter, and the results have been very encouraging. Bariatric surgeries have resulted in a decrease in diabetic medications and a fast improvement in blood sugar levels. People who have a mild form of Diabetes can hope to achieve complete resolution after surgery. In a nutshell, surgery helps to control and almost eliminate conditions of Diabetes by

-Lowering the level of blood sugar
-Improving health problems which are related to Diabetes
-Eliminates the need for medicines for Diabetes

Which surgery is better: Gastric sleeve or Rny (bypass)?

The following two are the most common form of bariatric surgeries performed on patients in the US and elsewhere.

1) Sleeve gastrectomy/Gastric sleeve surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is a kind of operation that aims to remove a large portion of the stomach and thereby aids in weight loss. The stomach that remains is narrow and become a smaller reservoir for food.

Medical researches have stated that gastric sleeve surgery has some effects on the blood glucose level and bring about changes in the gut hormones. All these help in the improvement of diabetes condition. The rate of remission for Diabetes after gastric sleeve surgery is also very high, and in some cases, the results are very similar to the other surgical option – gastric bypass.

2) The Roux-en-y gastric bypass is a type of surgery that looks to alter the GI tract so that the food bypasses the significant portion of the stomach. This operation results in significant weight loss and helps in the improvement of the diabetes condition.

Which type of surgery is better?

Gastric bypass surgery is the most preferred form of surgery for Diabetes as the patients exhibit positive results even before the loss of weight starts. Diabetes symptoms and weight loss indeed go hand in hand, but gastric bypass surgery helps in the remission of the disease much quicker. Several types of research have been conducted over the years. After a considerable number of successful operations, it has been proved, beyond doubt, that gastric bypass surgeries result in more weight loss, a lower waist circumference, reasonably low blood glucose level than the procedure of gastric sleeve surgery. So serious complications have ever occurred in carrying out Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery.

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Will Gastric Bypass Help PCOS?

Will Gastric Bypass Help PCOS? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a medical condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormally high amount of androgen. The androgens are male sex hormones that are present in small amounts in women. The term polycystic ovary syndrome refers to the many fluid-filled sacs that are formed in the ovaries. However, some women suffer from PCOS but have not developed any cysts. Some women have cysts, although they are not suffering from this disorder.

will gastric bypass surgery help pcos

Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from an ovary in a woman’s body. However, in some cases, not enough hormones are produced in the body so that the women can ovulate. When the ovulation does not happen, several small cysts get developed. These cysts are responsible for producing hormones that are known as androgens. Women with PCOS have high levels of androgens. This little fact causes problems in the menstrual cycle and the majority of the symptoms of PCOS.

What are the primary causes of PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is still not known today. But it has been seen by studying several cases that the condition of PCOS may run even in families. It is very common for sisters or even a mother and a daughter to have PCOS.

Are there any risks for PCOS?

Doctors believe that a woman can get PCOS if her mother or sister has it. You may also develop PCOS if you are obese or have insulin resistance.

What are the significant symptoms of PCOS?
  • Missed and irregular periods
  • Ovaries that have cysts
  • Excess body hair
  • Weight gain in the abdomen region
  • Oily skin
hairy woman
How is PCOS treated?

The treatment for PCOS depends on a lot of factors. These include but are not restricted to age, the overall health, and the severity of the symptoms. The type of treatment will also take into consideration whether there are any plans of getting pregnant. The treatment options usually include a change in lifestyle and diet. A healthy diet and regular physical activities can help one lose weight and thereby reduce the symptoms.

Medications are also widely advised by doctors to help the ovaries release the egg regularly. However, these medications have certain risks. They can cause ovarian hyper-stimulation and increases the chance of having twins or triplets. It is to be remembered that there is no set cure for PCOS, but one can manage the symptoms of PCOS. The doctor will work on a definite treatment plan taking into consideration the signs, the lifestyle, the dietary habits, and the risks. Many women need a combination of treatments.

Will Gastric Bypass Help PCOS?

Is surgery needed? How can it help PCOS?

Any doctor would advise diet and lifestyle changes and/or medications to deal with medical conditions like PCOS. However, surgery is also an option, but only if other lines of treatment do not work at all. Women who are suffering from PCOS have thick-shelled ovaries that prevent spontaneous ovulation. Surgery helps to restore ovulation, and the most common types of operations include ovarian drilling, gastric sleeve surgery, and gastric bypass surgery.

The gastric sleeve surgery for PCOS is a safe procedure with low mortality rates and is performed by surgeons across the world, mainly on an outpatient basis. However, the patients who are considered for same-day gastric sleeve surgery for PCOS are usually low-risk patients and where the chances for re-admission for post-operative concerns are pretty low. It has been seen that gastric sleeve surgery has been beneficial for PCOS patients who are looking to lose weight and those who want to augment fertility rates.

baby from pcos treatment

The Roux-en-y bypass surgery is a common and widely performed procedure. It is advantageous in reversing insulin resistance, a significant problem for women suffering from PCOS, even before they have started to lose weight. Many have pointed out this procedure involves a high as the nutrients can be malabsorbed. However, now, this is corrected through nutritional supplements and close monitoring on the nutritional status.

Which form of surgery is better?

It is to be remembered that Gastric Sleeve surgery is a relatively new procedure with very few published studies. Medical experts believe that complications are lower in gastric sleeve surgery procedure is no surgical bypass is involved, and there is no implantation of devices. This procedure is useful, but recent studies have shown that Rny bypass surgery is better for aiding weight loss, improving the sensitivity to insulin and to overcome the complications associated with PCOS. The level of patient satisfaction is higher with women who have undergone the Rny bypass surgery procedure. So the general consensus is that women with PCOS are better off with the Rny surgical procedure. Still, the final decision rests on many factors like goals for the surgery, medical history, the symptoms of PCOS, etc. As always, a talk with your doctor would be a great place to start.

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Will Gastric Bypass Help GERD?

Will Gastric Bypass Help GERD? The majority of the people suffer from a sudden attack of heartburn once in a while, but if you get such attacks 2 – 3 times per week, then that can be a classic case of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (henceforth GERD). The term GERD is often used to describe chronic heartburn. The condition of heartburn is caused when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The esophagus is a narrow tube that helps to connect the throat with the stomach. There is a valve that separates the esophagus, and the stomach and acid reflux occurs when this valve opens at an inappropriate time.

Will Gastric Bypass Help GERD

Symptoms of GERD

The primary symptoms of acid reflux are a sour taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the chest region. Heartburn is indeed the primary symptom of GERD, but some people may experience GERD without any heartburn. In these cases, a person may have some other signs of GERD, such as chronic cough, chest pain, or a strange feeling that something is stuck in their throat.

What triggers GERD?

Since the malfunction of the valve causes GERD, it is to be noted that valve malfunction is mainly caused by certain foods such as peppermint and onions. However, there are other potential trigger foods such as coffee, alcohol, tomato-based foods, and chocolate.

acid reflux prescription pills

Will Gastric Bypass Help GERD?

How can it be treated?

The medical condition of GERD is often treated with OTC medicines, changes in the diet and lifestyle, and prescription medicines. In severe cases, the doctor may advise surgery for a full recovery. It is important to note that conditions like GERD should never be ignored. You need to treat the disease as early as possible as the disease can damage the all-important esophagus over time.

Initially, the doctor will advise lifestyle changes such as

  • No eating at least 2 hours before bedtime
  • Quit smoking
  • Lose weight of you are already overweight
  • Wear loose clothes around the waist

How does Gastric Bypass surgery help to treat GERD?

We now know that GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease takes place when the stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. Usually, mild conditions can be treated with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medicines. Unfortunately, some people do not get any relief from medications and/or lifestyle changes. Surgery is the best option for these people. The operation focuses on replacing or merely repairing the valve that is located at the bottom of the esophagus. This valve is medically known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or LES. A very weak or damaged LES causes the condition of GERD. If you keep GERD untreated, then it can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which heightens the risk of esophageal cancer.

surgery for GERD

When should surgery be considered?

If you have severe GERD complications, then surgery is usually recommended. The option of operation is the last resort for everyone. The doctor will first try to manage the condition with diet and lifestyle changes, but if that does not give relief, then the doctor will prescribe medications. If the patient still does not get relief from the symptoms, then surgery is recommended for proper healing. There are several surgical options, and the best approach would be decided by the doctor. However, the two most popular types of gastric surgery procedures are Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y (Rny).

Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass

Gastric Sleeve surgery is an excellent procedure, but the general consensus is that it is best suited for patients who do not have a significant history of GERD. In a gastric sleeve procedure, surgeons remove as much as 85% of the stomach. It leaves patients with a stomach with the shape of a sleeve or tube. However, this never alters how food travels to the gut. For many patients, this is the 1st procedure before a full bypass.

Rny Gastric bypass is said to be the most effective form of surgery for treating complicated GERD symptoms. This procedure is generally adopted for patients who have intractable GERD and where standard procedures have failed. In Rny gastric bypass, a small pouch is attached to the intestine so that the stomach can be easily bypassed. The recovery time for this procedure is around four weeks.

doctor in white coat setting behind a desk
Whatever you do, make sure to check with your Doctor(s). They have all the information and can help you figure out which sugery would be best for your own situation.

Which procedure is better?

It is challenging to pinpoint which procedure is better as different patients have different complications. One should work alongside the doctor to understand whether gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery works for them. The consensus is that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is most useful for GERD as symptoms usually do not recur after such procedures, and the medical condition gets healed by as much 80 to 85%. However, we must re-assert that the final decision should be taken by the patient in consultation with his/her doctor.

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