Weight loss can be tedious and frustrating, especially if eating healthy and intense exercise yields unsatisfactory results. In such cases, you may need to consider other weight loss techniques like bariatric surgery Plano TX. Gastric bypass is a minimally invasive surgical weight-loss procedure that adjusts how your small intestines and stomach handle food. The method involves creating a small pouch in your stomach that processes the food bypassing your small intestine. These adjustments will impact the amount of food you eat and the hormones regulating your hunger, fullness, and blood sugar.
Dr. Carlton may only recommend this treatment if you have a BMI of 40 and above tried losing weight naturally without success, or have a health-related issue. Gastric bypass is, however, not the best option for some people due to the health risks involved. During your appointment at Lonestar Bariatrics, your provider may discuss your bariatric surgery options, weight goals, and the risks associated with each option. They may also perform a physical exam to determine your eligibility.
What doctors perform gastric bypass surgery
Most medical experts perform gastric bypass laparoscopically, minimizing your risk of complications such as excessive bleeding. Laparoscopic surgery requires about three to five small incisions on your abdomen. Sometimes the team may conduct the surgery with robotic assistance, with your surgeon controlling the robotic arms on a computer. In rare cases, the team may need to switch to open surgery to manage specific complications or conditions.
Complications associated with gastric bypass
Surgeries that focus on modifying your digestive system can lead to several complications. You may develop dumping syndrome when your stomach passes food into your small intestine too fast. The disorder may lead to hypoglycemia, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and nausea. Another complication is malabsorption. Gastric bypass reduces the number of calories your small intestines absorb, which can result in nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor will prescribe specific dietary supplements to prevent this complication.
Since the surgery interferes with the pyloric valve, it may malfunction, leading to bile reflux, eroding your stomach lining, and resulting in stomach ulcers and gastritis. Rapid weight loss overloads your liver with a load of cholesterol which can increase your risk of developing cholesterol gallstones. Although gallstones are not usually harmful, they can result in severe symptoms when they get stuck in your bile ducts. Your provider may recommend specific medication to prevent this complication.
What to expect during recovery
The incisions in your stomach may take several days or weeks to heal, irrespective of whether you had an open or laparoscopic gastric bypass. If you have stitches, your specialist may remove them during a follow-up appointment. You may notice significant changes in your weight a few months after the procedure. Most of your weight loss will occur during the first 12 months. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. Although this technique helps you lose weight faster than exercise, you still need regular exercise and eating healthily to maintain the results.
Call the LoneStar Bariatrics office or book an appointment online if you need to lose weight for medical or aesthetic reasons.