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Important Information Relating To Gastric Bypass Surgery Houston Patients Need To Understand

By Catherine Watson


There has been a steady increase in the number of weight-loss surgeries performed all over the world. The operations, also known as bariatric operations, are performed with the aim of reducing the stomach volume and, by extension, the surface area used for absorption. The surgeries usually become an option for morbidly obese individuals that do not respond to other interventions. There are several benefits on gastric bypass surgery Houston residents can get from the procedure.

Several criteria are used in selecting potential candidates to undergo the operation. One of them is that lifestyle options should have been tried for a period of six months or more. Such will include a proper diet and regular physical exercise. A proper diet should have a low amount of carbohydrate and protein and more vegetables and fruits. As for exercise, the minimum is thirty minutes of intense physical activity three to five days a week.

The potential candidate should ideally have a body mass index (or BMI) of at least 40. If this value is low then the benefits are limited. Exceptions to this rule exist. For instance, for patients that are suffering from weight related complications such as diabetes, hypertensive disease, cardiac conditions, gastro-esophageal disease and sleep apnea among others. A BMI value of between 35 and 40 is acceptable among these patients.

It is important that you undergo a full medical checkup. The checkup will help in two main ways: to establish whether or not you are a suitable candidate and to screen for any risks that may exist. The evaluation will entail the taking of a medical history of your condition and the performance of a physical examination. Investigations such as renal function tests and liver function tests will also be needed.

There are many different techniques that can be used in carrying out this operation. One of the most commonly used is known as the Roux-en-Y. In this technique, the stomach is modified into a small pouch that can only hold a small amount of food. This pouch is then connected to the jejunum, the second intestinal segment. This means that the first portion is bypassed.

The roux-en-Y technique makes it possible to perform the operation using small incisions. The result of this is that the scars resulting from the operation are quite small and the complications are also fewer. One of the complications that may be encountered is the erosion of staples and silicone bands that are used in creating the pouch. This may be seen after some years but is thankfully quite rare.

Another major complication is what is known as dumping syndrome. The syndrome is caused by food emptying rapidly through the digestive tract. Symptoms may include fainting, nausea, generalized body weakness and nausea among others. They typically set in within thirty minutes of eating and are more likely to be experienced when one eats sugary foods.

Gastric bypass surgeries are increasingly becoming an option for weight loss thanks to the rising prevalence of life threatening obesity all over the world. Newer techniques have not only made this operation effective but have also significantly reduced the rate of complications. It is important that one complements the operation with lifestyle changes if they are to realize maximum benefits.




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