Gastric bypass
As its name suggests, this procedure involves food bypassing
parts of your intestine which means that less is absorbed from it -
thereby reducing calorie intake. In addition, the size of the
stomach is reduced creating a full feeling. So your food intake is
both restricted and the amount of calories you can extract from it
is reduced (this is called malabsorption) because it is not passing
through the entire length of your intestine. This means that a
bypass can be a very effective way to lose weight. However, it can
carry higher risks than other procedures. There are several points
at which the intestines can be bypassed; the most radical is a
biliopancreatic diversion which means that food only travels down a
short length of the small intestine. The most common gastric bypass
is known as the Roux-en-Y bypass.
With all kinds of
weight loss surgery, you will continue to be monitored and
supported after the actual operation. Those with a gastric band
will initially need several outpatient appointments for their band
to be adjusted, while with some more radical surgeries the level of
some nutrients in your blood may need to be monitored. Many people
find patient support groups are helpful.
Next - Information on gastric balloon.