What is gastric bypass?
Through the gastric bypass, food is passed by the stomach via a raised loop of small intestine. The gastric bypass is created during a surgical procedure. This allows the body to absorb less food and results in a rapid and severe weight loss.
This method is very efficient for weight reduction in very overweight people (BMI > 40 kg/m2). However, it has many side effects and has life-long consequences. To be successful, it must be accompanied by lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
Indications for gastric bypass
Gastric bypass may be indicated in cases of severe overweight. Formally, severe overweight (obesity) is present with a BMI > 35 kg/m2. Obesity causes further complaints, especially with increasing age, such as joint pain.
In Germany, physicians in Germany prescribe gastric bypass surgery for patients with a BMI > 40kg/m2 or a BMI > 35 kg/m2 with concomitant disease(s) due to obesity. If these conditions are present, further factors are checked. First of all, it is important to decide whether the affected person can undergo this operation at all or whether the risk is too high.
If this is the case, surgery must be avoided. Furthermore, the possible weight loss must be estimated individually. Also the eating habits play a role in the decision whether the operation is reasonable.
After all, the patient must be able to adapt his or her diet and lifestyle to the changed situation after the operation. It is also very important that the patient is aware of the consequences of the operation and his or her own responsibility in the post-operative treatment. However, the decision for or against a gastric bypass is ultimately up to the patient.
Preparatory studies
The preparatory examinations serve to assess the patient’s operability and to weigh up possible complications. They are very important and serve the safety of the patient. A pulmonary function test is necessary for anaesthesia capability and in most cases an examination of the heart.
Usually this involves a heart ultrasound and an ECG. In addition, blood is taken to determine several laboratory parameters, such as haemoglobin. A gastroscopy is performed to examine the stomach.
In addition, a 24-hour acid test is performed. This examines the reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Further examinations may be necessary if certain diseases or risk factors are present.
The doctor will inform you in these cases. Of course, a detailed discussion with the doctor is also important. During this discussion, the doctor must explain the complications and the consequences. Before the operation, a change of diet is often started.
