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Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a very popular procedure that has helped many individuals who suffer from morbid obesity achieve lasting weight loss. While the treatment has many incredible benefits, there are also risks associated with the surgery that patients should be aware before undergoing this procedure.

Treatment Benefits

There are many benefits associated with gastric bypass surgery.  The most notable is the fast weight loss results, which can impact the patient's self-esteem and quality of life. Additionally, the vast majority of gastric bypass surgery patients experience improvements in overall health following their procedure. Health problems that are commonly associated with obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease, can diminish as excess weight is lost.

Treatment Risks

As with all surgical procedures, there are also risks associated with gastric bypass surgery.  Vitamin deficiency is one complication associated with this procedure, but this can typically be avoided by closely following your bariatric surgeon's post-surgical recommendations for diet and nutritional supplements. Other possible complications related to the gastric bypass procedure include infection, scarring, bleeding, and rarely, leakage at the point where the digestive tract is surgically reconnected.

If you suffer from morbid obesity and are interested in learning about bariatric surgery, a weight loss surgeon at our Indiana center can help you understand the options that are available to you. 

Roux-en-Y surgery is a very popular method of gastric bypass surgery, but not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Each type of weight loss surgery often has its own requirements to determine whether or not that particular procedure will be a good choice for the patient, and Roux-en-Y surgery is no exception.

BMI Criteria

The primary consideration that will need to be met in order for you to be a good candidate for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is that you must have a very high Body Mass Index, generally at least 40 or more. You also must have suffered from this high body mass for at least five years, and have diligently tried other weight loss methods without success.

Risk of Associated Health Problems

Patients whose obesity puts them at risk for related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea are typically good candidates for the Roux-en-Y procedure, as the results of the surgical weight loss procedure can improve the patient's overall health and quality of life.

Other Factors

In addition to the above criteria, your weight loss surgeon will want to review other factors, such as your general ability to withstand the surgery and your motivation to commit to a healthy lifestyle after your surgery. If you are a smoker, you must stop smoking at least one month prior to your surgery, and you must be committed to not start smoking again. You cannot be an alcoholic or have a drug addiction, which could create complications to your health after surgery.

For more information about surgical weight loss options, contact our bariatric surgery center in Fort Wayne, Indiana today.

LAP-BAND® System Surgery is an effective way to help people lose weight. Get the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about LAP-BAND® System Surgery, and see if this procedure may help you.

Who is a candidate for LAP-BAND® System Surgery?

There are some qualifications that you must meet in order to be a candidate for the LAP-BAND® System surgical procedure. You must be over the age of 18 and under age 55. You also must have a BMI of 35-40, or be 100 pounds or more overweight. You will need to be in generally good health, and not suffer from any major medical problems. In many cases, you will be required to undergo some consultation to determine how serious you are about losing weight, and you may have to prove that you have tried other means of weight loss and been unsuccessful.

What are the risks of LAP-BAND® System Surgery?

Any surgical procedure carries a certain amount of risk, and LAP-BAND® System Surgery is no exception. Most of the risks associated with this procedure involve complications that can arise if the patient does not follow the post-operative instructions, or complications that can arise if the band slips or begins to wear an opening into the stomach lining. Your weight loss surgeon will review all of the potential risks with you so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.

How soon will I begin to see weight loss?

The rate of weight loss will vary from patient to patient, but you can usually expect to see some results quite quickly. Immediately after following surgery you will be on a liquid diet for a few weeks which will jump start your weight loss. The amount of weight you lose after your initial recovery period will depend on you, but it is not unheard of for a person to lose more than 65% of their excess weight.

Can I gain weight after LAP-BAND® System Surgery?

Absolutely. LAP-BAND® System Surgery is not a miracle procedure that will prevent you from gaining weight. You will still need to practice a healthy diet and exercise regimen to ensure that you do not put the weight back on.

Will my health insurance pay for LAP-BAND® System Surgery?

In some cases your health insurance may cover the cost of the procedure, and in others it will not. This solely depends on your particular health insurance. You should contact your insurance company and inquire about whether they pay for this type of procedure or not. If they do not cover the cost of LAP-BAND® System Surgery, you may be able to explore bariatric surgery financing options.

People often assume that obesity is caused by eating too much food. While this can contribute to weight gain, there are many other factors that can cause obesity.

Environmental Causes

Yes, it is true that overeating or eating the wrong foods can contribute to obesity. In our modern society, we are inundated with unhealthy foods that contribute to the rise in obesity in the population. Foods of convenience like fast foods and processed foods have taken over healthy meals, and many of these meals contribute to poor nutrition and weight gain.

Psychological Causes

There are many different behavioral issues and psychological factors that also contribute to obesity. Some people eat in an attempt to make themselves happy, or they eat when they are stressed, bored, or tired. Many people that have suffered a childhood trauma such as molestation may also overeat in an attempt to make themselves less attractive, thereby making them unappealing to others.

Physical Conditions

There are many medical conditions that can also cause obesity. Both hypothalamus damage and a condition known as hypothyroidism can contribute to weight gain. Abnormal hormonal levels have also been proven to be a contributing factor in weight gain, and many people that have a hormonal imbalance often suffer from obesity, no matter what actions they try and take with their diet and exercise.

Medication

Many different types of medications can cause weight gain to occur, including some blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and diabetes drugs. Often, these medications are essential to a person's well being, and they must take them regardless of the fact that they cause them to gain weight.

Heredity

Many studies are pointing to the theory that obesity can be hereditary and can be caused by the genes that a family shares. Studies show that obesity tends to be present in families, however since families tend to live the same lifestyle, it can be difficult to determine whether the obesity is caused by genetics or simply by their lifestyle. Even so, it is becoming more apparent that there may be a connection between obesity and the genes you share with your family.

 

If you suffer from morbid obesity and are interested in learning about bariatric surgery, a weight loss surgeon at our Indiana center can help you understand the options that are available to you. 

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a major surgery. It is important for patients to know what to expect before undergoing this weight loss procedure.

Recovery Expectations

Although recovery time can vary based on individual patients, it typically takes from two to six weeks to return to work. In most cases, patients who have the laparoscopic version of the surgery can return to work closer to the two week mark and patients who have the open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery may need the full six weeks. During the recovery, it is important for patients to follow their doctor's guidelines for diet, exercise, and medication.

Lifestyle Changes

Because the patient's stomach will be about the size of an egg following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, the amount of food that can be consumed will be limited to about 2 ounces at a time. Typically, the patient will be told to eat four to six small meals per day. Meals will begin as liquids, then pureed food, and eventually solid food. To keep food from getting caught, it is important that it is chewed thoroughly. As advised by the bariatric surgeon, aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and bike riding should be incorporated into a patient's post-surgical regimen. As patients become stronger and more fit, they are typically encouraged to begin weight training to increase muscle mass, improve bone strength, and increase metabolism.

Weight Loss Results

Most people who have gastric bypass surgery start to lose weight quickly and continue to lose weight for up to 12 months. In one trial, patients lost about one-third of their excess weight in one to four years.

Other Considerations

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure produces good results for the majority of patients, but it can also cause serious health complications for some individuals. Patients should speak with their physician to make sure they fully understand the possible risks and complications associated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery or other types of weight loss surgery being considered. In most cases, the benefits of the surgery outweigh the potential risks.

There are three types of bariatric surgery techniques for the treatment of morbid obesity: restrictive, malabsorptive, and combination procedures. The technique that is best suited for you is based on your individual weight loss goals and health needs.

Restrictive Bariatric Surgery

Restrictive surgery has a twofold purpose. First, it reduces the capacity of the stomach, thus making the person feel full sooner. Second, it reduced the desire to eat between meals by reducing the movement of food out of the stomach. The most common type of restrictive bariatric surgery is gastric banding. During this procedure, an adjustable band of special rubber is placed on the upper part of the stomach in order to form a small pocket or pouch where ingested food will collect. This band can be adjusted in order to create a very narrow passage and slow down the passage of food into the lower part of the stomach.

Malabsorptive Bariatric Surgery

This type of surgery reduces the surface area of the small intestine, thus reducing the absorption of calories from food. Purely malabsorptive surgeries, known as intestinal bypasses, are no longer performed for weight loss patients because safer and more effective options are available.

Combination Restrictive/Malabsorptive Surgery

Combination procedures are known as gastric bypass surgeries. The most common type of gastric bypass surgery is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. During this procedure, a small pouch is created from the upper part of the stomach using staples. The lower part is not removed but is bypassed. The pouch is then connected to the middle section of the small intestine so food bypasses the stomach and the first section of the small intestine, thus reducing the calories absorbed. For more information on weight loss surgery techniques, speak to a bariatric surgeon at our Indiana center today.

Having LAP-BAND® System surgery is a big commitment. It is important to realize what you will experience after the weight loss procedure.

Diet after Surgery

During the first weeks of your recovery after LAP-BAND® System surgery, you will be restricted to a liquid diet. You will gradually progress to pureed foods and soft foods until you are able to eat solid foods (typically after six weeks). Your surgeon and nutritionist help you to develop a new diet plan. Some of the important guidelines for eating with the LAP-BAND® System include:

• Eating only three small meals a day and not snacking between meals.
• Eating only solid foods (no liquids) at mealtime.
• Chewing your food about 15 to 20 times per bite, creating a liquid consistency.
• Eating only until you feel full.
• Choosing healthy foods with plenty of protein and nutrients.

Weight Loss Expectations

During the first year following your LAP-BAND® System surgery, you can expect to lose about one to two pounds per week. In most cases, patients will lose about 50 percent of their excess weight during the first 12 months. These numbers are averages, so there is a chance that you would lose at a faster or slower rate.

Changes in Health

As you lose the weight, you will most likely notice that your weight-related health problems begin to diminish. Conditions like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are likely to improve after your weight loss surgery. You will also likely experience increased energy.

Contact a Bariatric Surgeon

In order to get a better idea about the full-range of changes you will experience after your weight loss surgery, you should speak with your doctor and, if possible, talk to patients who have already had the LAP-BAND® System procedure. Many bariatric surgeons offer both pre-operative and post-operative support groups for their patients. For more information, contact our bariatric surgeon in Indiana for a consultation. Key Bariatric Specialists is a unique surgical weight loss center based on the philosophy of ensuring full, lasting health for each patient.