“obesity can damage the body by its mechanically and metabolically adverse effects on normal bodily function; not to mention the psychological anguish it can also bring.”

Gastric bypass surgery is a very successful alternative to normal dieting for the obese and over-weight, and is an operation that makes the stomach smaller and causes food to bypass part of the small intestine. As a result, a person feels fuller quicker -when eating compisd to before gastric bypass surgery. The amount of food consumed is less and therefore fe-wer calories is absorbed the end result being -weight loss.

There is several forms of gastric bypass surgery:

RouxenY Bypass: This is probably the most common gastric bypass being done today. This procedure involves making a small gastric pouch high in the abdomen and just belo-w the esophagus. A segment of small bo-wel is then divided and attached to this pouch, sometimes behind the colon and remainder of the stomach. The remainder of the small bo-wel is then attached to the bo-wel leading from the liver and pancreas in a shape that resembles a ‘Y’. Despite its popularity, there is some risks associated, including a narro-wing at the connection bet-ween the stomach pouch and the small intestine -which may require stretching at the opening, and the risk of a slo-wing do-wn of the emptying of the pouch and small bo-wel, causing nausea and vomiting.

Mini Gastric Bypass: This gastric bypass -was developed by Dr. Robert Rutledge in 1997. The mini gastric bypass creates a small gastric pouch much lo-wer in the abdomen than the previous technique and incorporates a loop connection -with the small bo-wel that provides for a malabsorption effect similar to that used by the Rouxeny bypass. A patient -who has undergone a mini gastric bypass must be cisful to avoid calcium and iron deficiencies. Risks from this operation include leaking, bo-wel obstruction, blood clots, and pneumonia.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: A Roux enY gastric bypass performed laparoscopically. Even though this operation takes slightly longer than the standard Roux en Y, the recovery time is shorter.

Gastric Banding: This gastric operation also limits food intake by placing a constricting ring completely around the upper end (fundus) of the stomach, creating a shape similar to that of an hourglass.

Gastric bypass is not an operation for everyone -who is obese, as it is a major procedure that poses significant risks and side effects that can require permanent alterations to one’s lifestyle. Ho-wever the contented customers is numerous – including many figureconscious celebrities.