Gastric Bypass
The Gastric Bypass, Roux en-Y is considered the "gold standard" of modern obesity surgery -- the benchmark to which other operations are compared, for evaluation of their quality and effectiveness.
This operation is considered both restrictive and malabsorptive. It achieves its effects by creating a very small stomach pouch (thumb-sized, actually), from which the rest of the stomach is permanently divided and separated. The small intestine is cut about 18 inches below the stomach, and is re-arranged so as to provide an outlet to the small stomach, while maintaining the flow of digestive juices at the same time. The lower part of the stomach is bypassed, and food enters the second part of the small intestine within about 10 minutes of beginning the meal.
There is very little interference with normal absorption of food - the operation works by reducing food intake, and reducing the feeling of hunger. The result is a very early sense of fullness, followed by a very profound sense of satisfaction. Even though the portion size may be small, there is no hunger, and no feeling of having been deprived. What most patients find is that when truly satisfied, they feel indifferent to even the yummiest of foods. Patients continue to enjoy eating - but they enjoy eating a lot less.
The Gastric Bypass provides an excellent tool for gaining long-term control of weight, without the hunger or craving usually associated with small portions, or with dieting. Weight loss of 80 - 100% of excess body weight is achievable for most patients, and long-term maintenance of weight loss is very successful -- but does require adherence to a simple and straightforward behavioral regimen.
Source: gastricbypass.com, © 2010
Related Topics: