Gastric Bypass???

Has anyone ever had gastric bypass? What are some important details of this procedure?

the death rate is as high as 1 in 20

Fancy pants is totally wrong on that one. Depends on the surgeon doing the procedure.The surgeon I am going to has a one in a thousand death rate on laparoscopic bypass. 1 in 20 I think is way off.Maybe in the 70s or in outer Mongolia Report It

I agree in saying that Fancy Pants is totally wrong in this situation. Report It

Gastrict bypass is a major operation that is mostly performed in obese individuals. It requires general anethesia. Basically, the surgeon bypasses the stomach and makes a little pouch of the normal stomach. The new stomach is a little pouch that can only hold a few onces of food instead of large amounts like before.

There are several types of operations given the medical advances, some are laparoscopic and some are open surgeries.

Read more here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/...

Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y
In recent years, better clinical understanding of procedures combining restrictive and malabsorptive approaches has increased the choices of effective weight loss surgery for thousands of patients. By adding malabsorption, food is delayed in mixing with bile and pancreatic juices that aid in the absorption of nutrients. The result is an early sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.

In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption.

Advantages
One year after surgery, weight loss can average 77% of excess body weight. (14)
Studies show that after 10 to 14 years, 50-60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some patients.
A study in 2000 of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions were improved or resolved.

Risks
Because the duodenum is bypassed, poor absorption of iron and calcium can result in the lowering of total body iron and a predisposition to iron deficiency anemia. This is a particular concern for patients who experience chronic blood loss during excessive menstrual flow or bleeding hemorrhoids. Women, already at risk for osteoporosis that can occur after menopause, should be aware of the potential for heightened bone calcium loss.
Bypassing the duodenum has caused metabolic bone disease in some patients, resulting in bone pain, loss of height, humped back and fractures of the ribs and hip bones. All of the deficiencies mentioned above, however, can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements.
A chronic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. The problem can usually be managed with Vitamin B12 pills or injections.
A condition known as "dumping syndrome" can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the results can be extremely unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. Some patients are unable to eat any form of sweets after surgery.
In some cases, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced if the stomach pouch is stretched and/or if it is initially left larger than 15-30cc.
The bypassed portion of the stomach, duodenum and segments of the small intestine cannot be easily visualized using X-ray or endoscopy if problems such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy should occur.

Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP-E)
Distal Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP-E) is an alternative means of achieving malabsorption by creating a stapled or divided small gastric pouch, leaving the remainder of the stomach in place. A long limb of the small intestine is attached to the stomach to divert the bile and pancreatic juices. This procedure carries with it fewer operative risks by avoiding removal of the lower 3/4 of the stomach. Gastric pouch size and the length of the bypassed intestine determine the risks for ulcers, malnutrition and other effects.

hope this helped have a good one

I had gastric bypass last year, your stomach is stapled off to a 2 ounce pouch and some small intestine is re-routed. It is important to research your Dr.'s and be the the best health and frame of mind possible. After you need to watch what you eat and take vitamins. This is NOT A CURE, it is a tool to help you control your intake of food, it is possible to gain the weight back. I have lost 130 lbs and went from a size 24/26 to 10/12. I had a lot of problems with the procedure and still do but I would do it all over again. It cured my diabetes.

Firstly the death statistics 1 in 20 relate to patients who die before they even reach surgery from obesity or they dont research their doctor enough and go to some hack-em-up quack who's cheap.
Secondly yes you only eat 1 or two tsp to start off with but after about a yr, the amt increases to 1/2 cup to 1 cup max. And there's plenty of joy in it because you are given a new lease on life.

I had GB in 2004 and have never regretted it or looked back. Its the best thing I have ever done for my health and sing its praises every day. Its not a quick fix, its definitely not easy, in fact its the biggest challenge Ive ever had in my life. Its just a tool you can use to get your life back. Do research, talk to everybody, read everyhting and make an informed decision. But its all worth it.

I had the operation in 2002.... the best thing I did for myself and I wish I had done it alot earlier in life. Check out the link to the website - there is tons of info on all the different operation proceedures.

You can only eat about 2 bites of food after the surgery before you feel full. Where's the joy in that?