The number of people suffering from obesity every year is increasing, it is mainly about the lifestyle and how people eat. To avoid the risks of obesity, more and more people are looking for other options for rapid weight-loss. About 140,000 people annually are finding gastric bypass surgeries an option for weight-loss and reducing obesity and its health complications.

Roux-en Y is the most common gastric bypass. In this procedure, a small and upper section of the stomach is separated by staples or bands to create a small pouch. This would limit the amount of food the patient could consume. It could hold about an ounce of food but can expand to about 4 to 8 ounces of food after a few months. A Y-shaped section of the small intestines is attached to the stomach. This would allow the food to bypass the upper portion of the intestines.

There are many benefits brought by gastric bypass surgery. Individuals who have undergone the procedure are said to reduce their weight with an average of 50 to 60%. Some would lose about 80% of their body weight two years after the sugery. Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol levels and even cancer risks can be reduced by the procedure. However, there are also downsides with this surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery is an effective way of losing weight an obesity related health risks. However, there are studies showing concern about nephrolithiasis or the formation of kidney stones among those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. According to paper presented in the 39th Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition of American Society of Nephrology, gastric bypass surgery increased the possibility of kidney stones.

Actually, this was not the first time that this kind of risk is identified with almost similar operations. In 1979, the Food and Drug administration had the jejunal ileal bypass under moratorium. This was because patients who had the procedure developed kidney stones five years after surgery.

Currently, there are studies showing that those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery would experience changes in the chemical composition of their urine. These changes eventually can lead into formation of kidney stones. After the gastric bypass surgery, the level of oxalate increased. This chemical when bound with calcium can cause the increase of kidney stones.

Another cause could be the production of low levels of citrate. Citrate dissolves crystals which can cause kidney stones. Low citrate levels and high levels, a combination that leads to an increase of calcium oxalate supersaturation. This increases or a strong factor or risk for having kidney stones. Other chemicals which also contribute to kidney stone formation like uric acid and potassium remains unchanged before and after the surgery.

A study conducted by Mayo Clinic showed that those who have underwent the procedure for the last six months have not developed this kind of chemical change. This condition could be avoided or the risk be reduced by undergoing some dietary changes. Doctors would recommend an increase on the intake of fluids, low-protein and low-salt diet, and normal calcium diet.

Tags: American Society of Nephrology, bypass, Bypass Surgery, Cancer Risks, cancer;, chemical change, chemical composition, chemical;, chemicals;, diabetes;, Exposition, Food And Drug, Food And Drug Administration, food;, Formation Of Kidney Stones, Gastric Bypass, Gastric bypass surgeries, Gastric Bypass Surgery, Health Complications, Health Risks, High Cholesterol, High Cholesterol Levels, hypertension;, kidney stone, Kidney Stones, Losing Weight, Low Salt Diet, Mayo Clinic, Moratorium, Nephrolithiasis, obesity;, Ounce, Rapid Weight Loss, Related Health, Risks Of Obesity, Small Intestines, Staples, surgery, Upper Portion —

Over 72 million adults in the United States are obese. Besides this disturbing figure lies a bigger problem: the life-threatening diseases that are linked to obesity. These obesity-related health problems include hypertension, hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, and diabetes. For many obese people, gastric bypass or weight loss surgery is the best and fastest solution to their weight problem.

The many benefits of weight loss surgery outweigh its risks. Most patients lose 75 to 80 percent of their excess weight after the surgery. In a number of cases, the weight loss can be as much as 90 percent. Aside from weight loss, the following are the nine common advantages of weight loss surgery:

1. Lower chance of developing diabetes

Most obese or overweight people have blood sugar imbalances, which are difficult to deal with unless they lose weight. Studies have shown that diabetic patients who went through weight loss surgery had their blood sugar levels return to normal after the operation. About 90 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes are expected to live well without medications after going through weight loss surgery.

2. Reduced risk of hypertension and heart disease

Hypertension and heart disease are among the health problems linked to obesity. According to experts, weight loss surgery can help improve cardiovascular diseases and lessen their symptoms. Also, majority of weight loss surgery patients with hypertension may no longer need medications to treat their disease.

3. Lower chance of getting sleep apnea

A study has proved that sleep disorders associated with obesity can be easily treated with significant weight loss, and surgery plays a major role in improving a persons quality of sleep. Poor sleep, which is usually caused by discomfort and breathing troubles, can cause anxiety, fatigue, and stress during the day.

4. Better joint function

With substantial weight loss comes reduction of stress on the joints, which is caused by obesity or excess weight. The surgery, which leads to weight loss, lowers the risk of damage to the joints and bones.

5. Improvement of other health problems

Aside from the health problems mentioned above, the surgery can also help improve the following conditions: arthritis, asthma, breathing problems, reflux, and fatigue.

6. Continuous weight loss

The most noticeable effect of the surgery is, of course, immediate and substantial weight loss. With proper diet and lifestyle adjustments, the surgery can lead to long-term weight loss and improved quality of life.

7. Improved mobility and physical abilities

Life after weight loss surgery is much better because it makes movements much easier and helps a person perform better when it comes to physical abilities.

8. Longer life

Because weight loss surgery helps reduce a patients risk of developing deadly diseases, it is able to extend a persons lifespan. A study conducted in 2002 found that people who lost weight after undergoing the surgery have increased lifespan of up to three years.

9. Increased self-esteem

Weight loss surgery leads to not only health benefits, but also to a positive image of oneself. Losing excess weight definitely improves ones appearance as well as the confidence to pursue what a person wants in his life. And with a self-esteem boost, one can have an improved quality of life and interaction with other people.

Gastric bypass surgery, with the many benefits it offers, is undoubtedly one of the best recourse to solve obesity problems.

Tags: arthritis;, asthma;, Blood Sugar Levels, Bypass Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases, diabetes;, Diabetic Patients, disease, Diseases, Excess Weight, fatigue;, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Bypass Surgery, Health Problems, heart disease Hypertension, heart disease;, hypertension;, Hyperthyroidism, Life Threatening Diseases, obesity;, Patients With Hypertension, Patients With Type, Related Health, Sleep Apnea, sleep apnea A, Sleep Disorders, Substantial Weight Loss, surgery, Surgery Patients, Type 2 Diabetes, United States;, Weight Loss Surgery —

Obesity is a serious health problem across the globe. That is why a number of methods, techniques, and technologies have been developed to help curb weight problems that usually lead to life-threatening diseases such as heart ailments and diabetes. One of the most popular weight loss strategies is gastric bypass surgery, a procedure that alters the digestive system (particularly the stomach) to restrain a persons food intake.

The results of the surgery are immediatea patient may lose 50 to 60 percent of his weight within two years following the surgery. With healthy lifestyle (including proper diet and regular exercise), one can expect weight loss in the long run after the surgery. Those who are overweight will experience easier mobility and better quality of life after undergoing weight loss surgery.

But theres more to this surgery than just weight loss. Aside from slashing off some figures from the weighing scale, the surgery also helps improve certain conditions that are often linked to obesity. These health problems include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood cholesterol, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Thus, people who have gone through weight loss surgery are less likely to develop cardiovascular problems than those who have not tried the procedure. Also, the surgery can lessen a patients possibility of death due to heart ailment, diabetes, or cancer.

Now for the not-so good news. Weight loss surgery is not for the faint of hearts. As with other kinds of surgeries, weight loss surgery leads to several complications. If you will go through this procedure, you need to know the risks before you head over the clinic or hospital. Being aware of what to expect after the surgery helps a lot in your recovery process. The most common complications of the surgery include infection, bleeding, and swelling. Other complications are ulcer, low blood sugar, kidney stones, gallstones, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin D and B-12 deficiency. After the operation, a patient may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness especially when eating foods rich in sugar and fat. These are caused by a condition called dumping syndrome in which the contents of the stomach pass through the small intestine very fast.

There are certain postoperative risks that occur in rare cases but are severe and need immediate medical attention. The following are some of the complications and tips on how to deal with them.

1. Leak in the stomach

This is found at one of the staple lines in the stomach. The leak heals over time in most cases, though it can be treated using antibiotics. But severe cases require immediate surgery.

2. Thinning of the opening between the small intestine and stomach

This condition needs either a corrective surgery or a simple outpatient procedure wherein a tube is inserted through the mouth to make the opening wider.

3. Incision hernia or weakness in the incision

This complication happens if the surgery is an open procedure that involves a large incision on the abdomen. Incision hernia needs to be repaired through surgery depending on the severity of the condition.

4. Death

For every 200 to 300 weight loss surgeries, one case results in death. Although the risk of death has been linked to gastric bypass surgery, it still depends on many factors such as age and health and medical conditions.

Tags: Antibiotics, Bypass Surgery, cancer;, Cardiovascular Problems, Curb Weight, deficiency, diabetes;, diarrhea;, Diseases, Dizziness, Dumping Syndrome, food intake;, gallstones, Gastric Bypass Surgery, Gastric Bypass Surgery Obesity, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Healthy Lifestyle, Heart Ailment, Heart Ailments, High Blood Cholesterol, high blood pressure;, Incision, Incision Hernia, infection, Iron Deficiency, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Kidney Stones, Low Blood Sugar, Nausea, obesity;, persons food intake, Proper Diet, Sleep Apnea, Surgeries, surgery, Type 2 Diabetes, Vitamin D, vomiting, Weighing Scale, Weight Loss Strategies, Weight Loss Surgeries, Weight Loss Surgery —

Gastric bypass surgery is among the most popular bariatric surgery, with the number of those who are choosing to undergo the procedure doubling since 2001 to 2003. The American Society of Bariatric Surgery, estimates the number to be 140,000 annually. This procedure is primarily done to resolve issues of morbid obesity and the diseases associated with it.

In gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch is created in the stomach. This small pouch is stapled and the small intestines upper portion is also attached to this small pouch. The middle section of the small intestine is attached to the rest of the stomach. Food will bypass the rest of the stomach and the rest of the small intestine. Te stomach will be in smaller size which would make it full faster. Less calories will be absorbed.

This procedure would require diet change. Since the digestive system is altered or shortened, every food intake would be valuable. Some common side effects brought by the surgery is nutritional deficiency like anemia and osteoporosis. This is why it is important for patients to follow a different diet and take mineral and vitamin supplements.

The special gastric bypass diet would make sure that weight loss will be maintained over time. It would normally involve high protein food. Foods high in protein would ensure that new tissues are being built and the wounds are healing properly. Ideal high protein foods will be low in fat like red meat, chicken or turkey without skin, fish, eggs and cottage cheese.

Sugar and fat is among the foods that are avoided. Gastric bypass diet would involve food low in sugar and fat. Sugary foods are high in calories and fat. Fat is difficult to digest. Consuming too much sugar could also result to the Dumping syndrome that has nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea as symptoms. The body could also react the same way to too much fat. Foods with too much fat and sugar, anyway, do not have sufficient nutrients that would be essential to the body.

Foods high in fiber are also limited in gastric bypass diet. Fibers could block the stomach, small intestine and would require more gastric acid to digest it. A doctors approval is needed before ingesting any laxative or fiber pills.

This change is not done immediately. There are stages in a gastric bypass diet. Clear liquids would be the first stage. For the first two days, clear liquids like water, sugar-free juice, clear broth and no fizz soda are consumed in small amounts. Within the first two weeks, low-fat, high protein liquids are ingested. It is important to also take chewable multivitamins during this stage.

Doctors would determine when would be the suitable time for the patient to progress to soft or puree diet. Some would be able to eat after two weeks, while others would have to wait longer than that. Some people who are in this stage would sometimes resort to eating strained baby foods. While others would prefer eating soft foods like scrambled eggs, low-fat cheese, blenderized lean meats, etc.

Two months after the surgery, the patient could now start eating regular diet, starting with high-protein food. Food consumed should be in small amounts. Remember that the stomach is reduced in size. After the gastric bypass, the stomach could accommodate about an ounce of food. Eventually, it could stretch and hold about 4 to 8 ounces or a cup to half a cup of food.

One thing that people should be conscious of would be overeating. Gastric bypass surgery can make the stomach smaller, however this does not affect the overall attitude to eating. People could result to overeating because of genetics or emotions. Lifestyle change is important. Overeating could cause regaining the lost weight, expansion of the pouch, and in worst cases rupture of the stomach.

There are many support groups, education, and counselling available to help deal patients with these difficulties.

Tags: American Society Of Bariatric Surgery, anemia;, Bariatric Surgery, Bypass Surgery, Cottage Cheese, counselling, diarrhea;, Diet Change, Diseases, Dizziness, Dumping Syndrome, Fish Eggs, food intake;, food;, Foods High In Protein, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Bypass Diet, Gastric Bypass Surgery, High Protein Food, High Protein Foods, Meat Chicken, Morbid Obesity, Nausea, nutritional deficiency;, osteoporosis;, Section Of The Small Intestine, Skin Fish, Small Intestines, Sugary Foods, surgery, Turkey;, Upper Portion, Vitamin Supplements, vomiting, What To Eat After Gastric Bypass —