Gastric bypass is a type of weight loss surgery that involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it to the small intestine. After gastric bypass, the swallowed food goes into this small pouch in the stomach and then enters directly into the small intestine.
Gastric bypass is one of the most common types of bariatric surgeries. Gastric bypass is done when diet and exercise are not effective or the patient’s physical health is threatened due to their high weight.
Why is Gastric Bypass Done in Iran ?
Gastric bypass is done to help you lose extra weight and reduce the risk of weight-related health problems, including:
- 1- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- 2- Heart disease
- 3- Hypertension
- 4- High cholesterol
- 5- Obstructive sleep apnea
- 6- Type 2 diabetes
- 7- Stroke
- 8- Cancer
- 9- Infertility
Gastric bypass is usually performed only after an unsuccessful attempt to lose weight by diet and exercise. In general, gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries may be an option for you if:
Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (severe obesity).
2- Your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity) and you have a serious weight-related problem such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea. In some cases, if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related problems, you may experience certain conditions for weight loss surgery. But gastric bypass is not suitable for everyone who is overweight. You may need to follow some medical guidelines to be eligible for weight loss surgery. Most likely, you will have an extensive screening routine to see if you are eligible. In addition to all this, you should follow a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. You should be monitored by specialists to check your nutrition, lifestyle, and physical condition.
Possible Risks of Gastric Bypass
Like any major surgery, gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries pose risks both in the short and the long term. The risks associated with gastric bypass surgery are similar to any other gastric surgery and can include:
- 1- Excessive bleeding
- 2- Infection
- 3- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- 4- Blood clotting
- 5- Pulmonary or respiratory problems
- 6- Problems in the digestive system
Long-term risks and complications of gastric bypass may include:
- 1- Intestinal obstruction
- 2- Dumping syndrome, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- 3- Gallstones
- 4- Hernia
- 5- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- 6- Malnutrition
- 7- Gastric perforation
- 8- Ulcers
- 9- Vomiting
Rarely, the side effects of gastric bypass can be fatal.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that can develop in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just below your liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that builds up in your small intestine. The size of gallstones varies from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. Some people produce only one gallstone, while others produce many gallstones at the same time. People who experience gallstone symptoms usually need gallbladder removal surgery. Gallstones, which do not cause any symptoms, usually do not require treatment.
Gallstone Symptoms
Gallstone symptoms include:
- 1- Sudden and rapid pain in the upper abdomen
- 2- Sudden and rapid pain in the center of the abdomen, just below the sternum
- 3- Back pain
- 4- Pain in the right shoulder
- 5- Nausea or vomiting
Gastric Bypass Pre-Operative Instructions
In the weeks before surgery, you may need to start an exercise program and quit any tobacco use. Just before the operation, you may have restrictions on eating and drinking, and you may also stop taking some medications. Now that you have more time, you can plan for your recovery. You may need help after surgery, so it is best to explain your condition to others. Gastric bypass surgery is performed in a hospital. Your hospital stay is usually one to two days, depending on each person’s condition, but it may take longer.
During Gastric Bypass Surgery
Before surgery, you will be anesthetized with medication. The characteristics of gastric bypass depend on the individual condition and the practices of the doctor. Some surgeries are performed with traditional large (open) incisions in your abdomen. However, most of them are done by the laparoscopic method, which involves inserting a tool through several small incisions in the abdomen.
After making incisions with an open method or laparoscopy, the surgeon cuts the upper part of the stomach and removes it from the rest of the stomach. The detached part of the stomach is the size of a walnut and can hold only about 28 grams of food.
Normally, your stomach can hold about 3 servings of food. The surgeon then cuts the small intestine and sutures part of it directly onto the sac. The food then enters this small sac of the stomach and then goes directly to the small intestine to which it is attached. The food will enter directly into the middle part of the intestine. Surgery usually takes a few hours. After surgery, you will wake up in the hospital room, where the medical staff will monitor you for any complications.
Gastric Bypass Post-Operative Instruction
Immediately after gastric bypass surgery, you may have to drink only fluids and avoid any heavy food. You will then follow a specific meal plan that will slowly switch from liquids to puree foods. After that, you can eat soft foods, then go for solid foods when the body can tolerate them. You may have many restrictions on the amount of eating and drinking. Your doctor recommends using vitamin and mineral supplements after surgery.
You will also undergo frequent medical examinations to monitor your health in the first few months after weight loss surgery. You may need tests such as blood tests and various tests.
Possible Problems after Gastric Bypass Surgery
You may experience problems due to rapid weight loss, such as:
- 1- Body pain
- 2- Feeling tired
- 3- Feeling cold
- 4- Dry skin
- 5- Hair loss
- 6- Mood swings
Gastric Bypass Result
Gastric bypass can cause long-term weight loss. The amount of weight loss depends on the type of surgery and the change in life habits. Within two years, you may lose about 70% or even more of your excess weight. In addition to weight loss, gastric bypass may improve or alleviate conditions that are often associated with being overweight. Stomach bypass can also improve your ability to perform daily activities, thus improving your quality of life.
Gastric Bypass Surgery is Ineffective if: You may experience weight gain after weight loss surgery. This weight gain may occur if you do not change your lifestyle. For example, if you eat high-calorie foods regularly, you may gain weight. To prevent weight gain, you need to make healthy and permanent changes to your diet and exercise regularly. After gastric bypass surgery, you should see your doctor regularly to check your weight loss.
Advantages of Gastric Bypass
- 1- Less calorie absorption
- 2- Faster weight loss
- 3- 96% of obesity-related health problems are completely or quickly resolved.
Disadvantages of Gastric Bypass
- 1- Permanent change in your anatomy
- 2- It is hard to choose a diet for the rest of your life.
The Role of Diet in Gastric Bypass
Before surgery, you need to adjust your diet to follow both before and after surgery. The preoperative diet is followed to reduce the amount of fat in and around the liver. This reduces the risk of complications during surgery. After surgery, your doctor will set up general dietary guidelines for you. The postoperative diet usually consists of several weekly steps. This diet will help you to get better and have healthier eating habits.
Gastric Bypass Pre-Op Diet
Pre-surgery weight loss helps reduce the amount of fat in the liver and abdomen. This regimen may contribute to laparoscopy. This will make laparoscopic surgery safer, therefore, requiring much less recovery time and posing less pressure on your body
Some Common Diets for Gastric Bypass Surgery
Dietary guidelines vary from person to person. But it may include the following:
- Eliminate or reduce the consumption of saturated fats, including dairy products, fatty meats, and fried foods.
- Reduce your intake of carbohydrate-rich foods such as sweet desserts, pasta, potatoes, and bread.
- Do not drink sugary drinks such as fruit juices and soft drinks.
- Avoid overeating.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid substances that are not recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drink during your meals.
- Take a multivitamin daily.
- Consume protein shakes or protein powder.
The preoperative diet is high in protein and other high-protein, low-calorie foods that are easy to digest. Protein helps strengthen and protect muscle tissue. Eating protein can help your body burn fat better. Protein also helps strengthen your body, which can speed recovery.
Gastric Bypass Post-Op Diet
The postoperative diet consists of several stages. How long each step lasts and what you can eat and drink is determined by your healthcare or nutritionist.
Stages of Diet after Gastric Bypass Surgery
The following are the steps you need to take for a proper diet after gastric bypass surgery.
Step 1: Liquid Diet
During stage 1, your nutrition is adjusted to help your body heal after gastric bypass surgery. Proper diet can help prevent postoperative complications. During the first few days, you are only allowed to drink a few grams of clear liquids at a time. After clear liquids, you can drink other liquids, including:
- 1- Decaffeinated coffee and tea
- 2- Skim milk
- 3- Soup
- 4- Sugar-free gelatin
Step 2: Light Diet
With your doctor’s approval, you can start the second phase of the diet. This stage includes refined foods. Many foods can be softened at home with a food processor, blender, or other appliance. Spices irritate the stomach, so avoid or consume them sparingly. Avoid fruits and vegetables that have a lot of seeds, such as strawberries or kiwis. You should also avoid foods that are high in fibre, such as broccoli and cauliflower. Instead, opt for foods that soften easily, such as:
- 1- Fruits such as apples, bananas, peaches, apricots, pears, pineapples, and melons
- 2- Vegetables such as spinach, carrots, squash, and green beans
Step 3: Soft Food Diet
You will probably not eat anything but mashed food for several weeks. Once your doctor determines that you are ready, you can incorporate soft and chewy foods into your diet. Foods such as:
- 1- Soft boiled eggs
- 2- Minced meat
- 3- Cooked or steamed white fish
- 4- Canned fruits, such as peaches or pears
Difference Between Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Gastric Bypass
Both gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass reduce your stomach from the normal size. Both methods cause weight loss in two ways. The stomach fills up quickly, so you’ll eat less food. The amount of ghrelin, commonly known as the “hunger hormone”, decreases. In gastric sleeve surgery, about 80% of the stomach is lost, what remains is sewn in a small pouch in the form of bananas. There is no other change in the stomach.
Reserve a Package for Gastric Bypass Surgery in Iran
Gastric bypass surgery has been performed in Iran for many years. According to statistics published in 2017, Iranian weight loss specialists perform more than 7,000 surgeries annually in Iran. Weight loss surgery is an important and sensitive operation and should be performed by surgeons with sufficient experience and knowledge. In addition to having experienced surgeons, Iranian hospitals are also equipped with modern medical equipment. Another advantage of weight loss surgery in Iran is the cost-effectiveness of surgery and the lack of waiting lists for receiving health care.