We all know that leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise will help us to keep fit and slim. But for some people who are morbidly obese this isn’t enough to avoid the onset of major health problems. In this case sometimes surgery such as a gastric bypass is often the best option.

There is no doubt that there are huge and significant benefits to having gastric surgery, otherwise known as bariatric surgery. Studies have shown that life expectancy increases dramatically for surgery patients and the chances of getting diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer is significantly reduced.

For surgery to be carried out there are certain requirements that need to be met. A patients body mass index has to be 40 or above. For patients with health problems caused by weight surgery can be carried out if their BMI is over 35. A person also has to have made exhaustive attempts to lose weight through conventional methods such as diet and exercise before surgery will be considered.

The operation takes between 1 and 3 hours and consists of a procedure designed to divide the stomach into two chambers. The small intestine is also re sited. This is all done to ensure that the stomachs capacity for food is reduced by over 90%. The patient will not feel any pain or sensation during the surgery as it is carried out under general anaesthetic.

Due to the changed shape and size of, as well as the trauma to, the stomach the amount and type of the food you eat has to be different from what you what you would normally consume. Your surgeon will advise you on specifics but as a general rule you will have to drink clear fluids for the first two days. After this you will probably be moved on to pureed food for a while. Eating a diet high in fiber and protein and low in sugar and fat.

Most people suffer from no ill effects after surgery but there are those who may suffer from complications such as a condition called dumping. This occurs when a person consumes an excess of sugar. The symptoms of dumping are a rapid heart beat and a feeling of panic and it is a very unpleasant feeling. If there have been any complications during the initial surgery further surgical intervention may be needed to correct the problem

It is vitally important that the patient makes drastic lifestyle and diet changes after surgery to ensure that weight is lost and stays lost. It can be extremely difficult for the first month or so for the patient. Previous to the operation food may have played a large part in a persons life and to change this attitude can be difficult. In the long term however the benefits to a persons health are worth any sacrifices a person has to make.

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