How Well It Works
Most people who have gastric bypass surgery quickly begin to lose weight and continue to lose weight for up to 18 to 24 months. If the patient doesn't follow the guidelines, some of the lost weight may be regained. Weight loss can range on average from 50 to 82 percent of the excess weight (the weight above what is considered healthy). The laparoscopic approach showed similar results with excess weight lost over 12 to 54 months.
Risks
Risks common to all surgeries for weight loss include an infection in the incision (wound infection), a leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected (resulting in an infection called peritonitis), and a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). About one-third of all people having surgery for obesity develop gallstones or a nutritional deficiency condition such as anemia or osteoporois.
The risk of dying from Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery is as high as 3 in 200 (1.5%).
After a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass:
- An iron and vitamin B12 deficiency occurs more than 30% of the time. About 50% of those with an iron deficiency develop anemia.
- The connection between the stomach and the intestines narrows from scarring(stomal stenosis) 5% to 15% of the time, leading to nausea and vomiting after eating.
- Ulcers develop 5% to 15% of the time.
- The staples may pull loose.
- Hernia may develop up to 40% of the time.
- The bypassed stomach may enlarge, resulting in hiccups and bloating.
Things To Think About
In a gastric bypass surgery, the part of the intestine where many minerals and vitamins are most easily absorbed is bypassed. Because of this, you may have a deficiency in iron, calcium, magnesium, or vitamins. This can lead to long-term problems, such as osteoporosis. To prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies, you may need to work with a dietitian to plan meals, and you may need to take nutrient supplements and injections of vitamin B12.
|
