What Is A Gastric Bypass Operation

The gastric bypass operation is becoming more and more popular these days as people become more aware of the link between obesity and good health. One immediate result of gastric bypass operation is weight loss. Patients who undergo this kind of surgery know that their weight issues won't disappear overnight, but because other methods of losing weight have failed, a gastric bypass operation seems to be their only hope to enjoying a better quality of life.

The Two Types of Gastric Bypass Operation

There are two types of Gastric Bypass Operation commonly performed today. The first, and more popular of the two, is Roux-en Y gastric bypass or RGB. A stomach pouch is created either by using staples on parts of the stomach or by using vertical banding.

The next step to complete this gastric bypass operation involves attaching a Y-shaped section from the small intestine directly to the pouch. This procedure allows food to bypass the duodenum and parts of the jejunum. Bypassing the duodenum and jejunum is important because it limits the calories that can be absorbed.

The second type of operation is more invasive than the RGB. It is called extensive gastric bypass or bilio-pancreatic diversion. It involves the removal of the lower portion of the stomach. A small pouch is left to connect to the small intestine. This also means a complete bypass of the duodenum and jejunum.

This type of weight loss surgery means fast and easy weight loss, but the effect of nutritional loss is just too great for some.

Gastric Bypass Operation And The Role Of Protein

Because of the malabsorption of nutrients from food, the most important thing to remember for people who have undergone or will undergo this surgery is the importance of taking protein supplements. The protein intake must reach about 50% of the total diet intake. There are animal sources that are rich in proteins like poultry, fish, and meat. In addition, protein-rich foods also include eggs, legumes, and nuts. However, bariatric patients find it hard to digest these foods.

Scientific studies have shown that protein-rich diet boosts weight loss among fitness buffs because it increases one’s energy. Our body is made of more than 50,000 active proteins called amino acids, the building blocks of this nutrient. These amino acids are composed of phosphorus, iron, sulfur, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Additionally, gastric bypass operation patients cannot tolerate fats from sausage, ham, and bacon because of their high fat content.

The Importance Of Water

Patients who have undergone this type of surgical procedure must also drink a lot of water daily. They must drink at least 64 ounces of water daily, but they have to avoid alcohol, soft drinks, milk.

What About Snacking?

Snacking on overly processed foods must be avoided by patients who have undergone gastric bypass operation. Snacking on unhealthy foods increases the risks of fluctuating blood sugar, and worse, overdosing on glucose.

Weight Loss Surgery And Exercise

After the surgery, patients still need to exercise daily, but only after the doctor determines that is safe to do so.

Exercise is still the most effective way to maintain a healthy and toned body, especially after a gastric bypass operation. Simple and low impact exercises are best, especially if done on a regular schedule.