Weight loss from Gastric Bypass Surgery Enhances Cognitive skills

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery is one of the types of weight loss surgery. In this procedure, a small pouch of stomach is created that restricts food intake and a bypass is also created that connects the stomach pouch to the small intestine which results in malabsorption 

Two Types of Gastric Bypass Surgery

1.    Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB): (most common)

1. Part of the stomach is stapled together and vertical banding is done to create a small stomach pouch
2. It restricts the amount of food you can eat.
3. The small intestine is connected to this stomach pouch. This causes food to pass from the stomach pouch to directly enter the small intestine, thus bypassing the duodenum. It also bypasses the first portion of the jejunum. The connection is known as bypass.
4. Thus nutrients and calorie absorption is reduced.
5. In some cases, a laparoscope (an instrument having camera that helps to view the inside of abdomen) is used to do the procedure
6. The procedure is carried out by taking small incisions and recovery is rapid

2.    Biliopancreatic diversion / Extensive gastric bypass :

1. In this operation, the stomach’s lower portion is removed
2. The remaining small part of the stomach is connected to the last part of small intestine. Both duodenum and jejunum are completely bypassed
3. Risk of nutritional deficiency is quite high in this type of procedure. So even though significant weight loss occurs, it is not widely used

Risks/ Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Pouch stretching - Overtime, stomach gets bigger and it stretches back to its original size.
• Band erosion - the part of the stomach closed by the band disintegrates.
• Breakdown of staple lines - The procedure gets reversed due to falling apart of bands and staples
• Leakage of contents of stomach into the abdominal cavity – Acid from stomach can cause erosion of other organs and can lead to serious complications
• Nutritional deficiencies can lead to various health problems.
• Dumping syndrome i.e. diarrhea, sweating nausea weakness after having food can occur after gastric bypass surgery as the stomach contents move very rapidly within the small intestine.
• Rapid loss of weight can lead to formation of gallstones. Medications can be taken post surgery for the same.

Complications due to Nutritional Deficiencies

1. The restricted absorption of iron and vitamin B-12 can lead to anemia.
2. Osteoporosis and metabolic disease of bone can interfere with calcium absorption
3. Nutritional supplements need to be taken by people undergoing gastric bypass surgery
4. Extensive gastric bypass surgery increases the risk for nutritional deficiencies and other complications greatly
5. Special foods and medicines are necessary life – long in those undergoing extensive bypass of normal digestive processes.