Gastric bypass procedures (GBP) are any
of a group of similar operations used to treat
morbid obesity—the severe accumulation of excess
weight as fatty tissue—and the health problems (comorbidities)
it causes. Bariatric surgery is the term
encompassing all of the surgical
treatments for morbid obesity, not just gastric
bypasses, which make up only one class of such
operations.
A gastric bypass first divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a much larger, lower "remnant" pouch and then re-arranges the small intestine to allow both pouches to stay connected to it. Surgeons have developed several different ways to reconnect the intestine, thus leading to several different GBP names. Any GBP leads to a marked reduction in the functional volume of the stomach, accompanied by an altered physiological and psychological response to food. The resulting weight loss, typically dramatic, markedly reduces comorbidities. The death rate is reduced by up to 40%.
Gastric bypass
surgery has an
emotional, as
well as a
physiological,
impact on the
individual. Many
who have
undergone the
surgery suffer
from depression
in the following
months. This is
a result of a
change in the
role food plays
in their
emotional
well-being. Many
morbidly obese
people use food
as an emotional
crutch, and the
strict
limitations on
the diet can
place great
emotional strain
on the patient.
Energy levels in
the period
following the
surgery will be
low. This is due
again to the
restriction of
food intake, but
the negative
change in
emotional state
will also have
an impact here.
It may take as
long as three
months for
emotional levels
to rebound.
Muscular
weakness in the
months following
surgery is
common. This is
caused by a
number of
factors,
including a
restriction on
protein intake,
a resulting loss
in muscle mass
and decline in
energy levels.
The weakness may
result in
balance
problems,
difficulty
climbing stairs
or lifting heavy
objects, and
increased
fatigue
following simple
physical tasks.
Many of these
issues will pass
over time as
food intake
gradually
increases.
However, the
first months
following the
surgery can be
very difficult,
an issue not
often mentioned
by physicians
suggesting the
surgery. The
benefits and
risks of this
surgery are well
established;
however, the
psychological
effects are not
well understood,
and potential
patients should
ensure a strong
support system
before agreeing
to the
procedure.