When it comes to effectiveness and speed of weight loss, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the best procedures you can choose. This surgery helps patients lose weight fast. It is performed on both the stomach and the intestine, which may cause side effects that you should consider too.
While the procedure has great benefits, it is also non-reversible and can cause serious side effects patients can experience after the surgery. Learn more about Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and its benefits here.
Procedure
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is one of the most popular among patients. The procedure is done on the stomach and lower half of the small intestine. The procedure cuts off the top part of the stomach, creating a pouch that can only hold a small amount of food. The small pouch is then connected to the second half of the small intestine.
This bypasses the large part of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, both of which contains digestive enzymes. Since your stomach can hold as much as 3 pints or 1.5 liters of food, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass limits that to as little as an ounce of food. The procedure is not reversible and patients must ensure to follow strict protocol for diet and lifestyle after surgery.
Benefits
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery has a lot of benefits for patients. It is an effective way to lose weight fast and prevent different types of health conditions caused by obesity. You will be able to see the effects of the procedure within weeks or even months.
This is a great option for patients that suffer from serious health complications caused by obesity. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can also help maintain a healthier weight. However, keep in mind that this procedure has side effects that you will bear for the rest of your life.
Side Effects
While Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is an effective weight loss surgery, it also has serious side effects for patients. The procedure shortens the passage of food, bypassing areas of the stomach and small intestines that contain digestive enzymes. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients especially iron.
The first part of the small intestine, the duodenum, is where iron and calcium are digested and absorbed. Since this area is bypassed, the iron found in food are not absorbed by the body. This can lead to health issues such as slow healing and anemia.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure that cannot be reversed, which is why patients are always at risk of experiencing nutrient deficiencies. That’s why those who had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are required to take bariatric multivitamins for the rest of their life. These multivitamins supply the needed nutrients the body needs to function well.
Other than deficiencies, they can also suffer from other side effects such as dumping syndrome, low blood sugar, and development of ulcers. There are ways to counteract these side effects. After the surgery, patients should observe a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is also important to always take the recommended bariatric multivitamin.
