Gastric Bypass

 

The Advantages

In addition to dramatic weight loss, the gastric bypass surgery may improve or resolve many conditions associated with obesity such as Type II diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

 

Risks and Disadvantages

As with any major surgery, gastric bypass carries risks such as bleeding, infection and possible adverse reactions to the anesthesia.

If you have gastric bypass surgery, your digestive process will be changed, with the result that many calories and nutrients will pass through your body without being absorbed. If you eat a large meal or foods high in fat or sugar, you’re likely to experience what’s known as the dumping syndrome. While unpleasant, the dumping syndrome helps patients learn healthy eating habits, which are its best prevention.

Other common complications of gastric bypass surgery include:

• vitamin and mineral deficiency
• dehydration
• gallstones
• bleeding stomach ulcers
• hernia at the incision site
• intolerance to certain foods.