Gastric Bypass Surgery
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Gastric bypass surgery, sometimes called stomach stapling, reduces the size of the stomach so it cannot hold as much food and causes you to feel full very quickly. In addition, a “shortcut” is created to the stomach with the small intestine, causing food to “bypass” part of the digestive process. Since food leaves your system more quickly, fewer calories are absorbed and you lose weight.
Learn more about gastric bypass surgery
Getting the facts on gastric bypass surgery is important. Many things must be considered before deciding if surgery is right for you. Your doctor can help you decide if surgery is right for you, but you must also make sure that you are willing to make the necessary changes in your eating and exercise habits.
Who is a candidate for weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is recommended for people who:
- Are considered morbidly obese (have 100 pounds or
more to lose).
- Have tried and failed at other weight loss attempts.
- Have health problems related to their obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
What are the benefits?
Most people lose weight rapidly right after surgery and the majority of the weight loss will occur over the first 18-24 months. This weight loss generally results in improvement of obesity-related medical conditions and reduces the risk heart attack and stroke. Research further shows that patients consequently live longer.
What are the risks?
Though there are many benefits to gastric bypass, there are also risks to consider. Eight to 20 percent of people who have the surgery require follow-up operations to correct complications and up to one-third may develop gallstones. Nutritional deficiencies that cause anemia and osteoporosis are also common in nearly 30 percent of patients. Successful weight loss will only occur with a lifelong commitment to changing eating and exercise habits, as well as medical follow-up.
How will my life change afterwards?
Gastric bypass does not enable you to eat whatever you want and still lose weight. There are strict dietary changes that must be followed. Foods such as candy, fast food and “junk food” can cause serious digestive problems and must always be avoided. Regular exercise is essential and must become part of your daily routine. These changes are permanent and should be followed for the rest of your life in order to maintain weight loss and to avoid medical complications.
For
information about the surgeons who perform these procedures, click
here.
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Michael Peters, Jr., M.D.
-
Isaias Irgau, M.D. FRCS (Ed)
-
Gail M. Wynn, M.D.
For more information, call 302-661-3475.
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What is involved in gastric bypass surgery?
Assessment
After an initial consultation with your surgeon, participants are referred to the Weight Management Program for a comprehensive evaluation by a physician, nurse practitioner, registered dietitian and clinical psychologist. In addition to a comprehensive medical assessment, you will receive important information about dietary and lifestyle changes required after surgery.
Surgery
Your surgeon will provide you with detailed information about gastric bypass surgery. While you are waiting for your surgery date, we strongly encourage you to attend our Gastric Bypass Support Group so that you will have the opportunity to meet many people who have already undergone surgery and hear about their experiences adjusting to all of the changes that occur afterward. We will provide you with a schedule of these valuable meetings.
Follow-up
Follow-up appointments will be an essential part of your post-surgical care. Medical and nutrition follow-up will focus on how you are recuperating from surgery and adjusting to eating changes. Our dietitians can provide you with sample food plans and menus that will ensure that you receive adequate nutrition to promote healing and maintain healthy body function.
About eight weeks after your surgery, it will be important to begin to work regular exercise into your routine. You will be scheduled for an exercise assessment through our Exercise Services and an initial plan will be designed for you.
Weight loss surgery support groups
For more information, call 302-661-3475.
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