by L. A. Hardt

Created on: September 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 06, 2008

With an emphasis on maintaining ones weight for health reasons, it makes those that are morbidly obese seriously think of taking more drastic measures for weight loss. The choice is usually bariatric surgery; Gastric Bypass probably still being the most popular followed by one of the lap band procedures.

The positive outcomes these surgeries can offer is that you can lose weight and start exercising for a healthier life. Many times it eases the aches and pains that the excess weight placed on your joints. It lowers your blood pressure; it reduces your chances for stroke or other heart related problems. Those with Type II Diabetes will find that their sugars go to normal levels and they no longer need to be on diabetic medications.

The bariatric procedure is not without risks or complications, it should be looked into and fully understood that this procedure calls for a life time of change. The Bypass can now be done through laparoscopic surgery which is less invasive, but keep in mind this is still major surgery.

The Bypass is done by cutting five small holes in the abdomen where instruments can be passed through so that the surgeon can perform the procedure, he cuts the upper part of the stomach where a small pouch is made and the small intestine is pulled up and attached here. That same small intestine further down is attached to the intestine that the stomach empties out into

All food by-passes the stomach, it goes into the pouch that empties into the small intestine that has been attached and travels down to where it meets the lower attachment. This is where the digestive juices from the stomach flow into the intestine to help with the digestion of the food that is consumed. The stomach still functions by producing the digestive fluids just as it had before.

The band is also done by laparoscopic surgery, only a band is placed around the upper part and the stomach, this forms a small pouch around the top part . There is also a tube with a port at the end and this is placed so that it is under the muscle but the port is easily accessed so that it can be injected with saline solution to tighten the band, or the saline can be extracted to loosen the band as needed. The food enters the small pouch giving the feeling of fullness and slowly enters the stomach where it is digested.

The requirement for ether of these surgeries is a BMI of at least 40 or more, or at least 100 pounds over weight. You go through many tests to see if you are a candidate for these procedures. You will need to get a complete physical; heart and lungs need to be checked. You need to meet with a psychologist and a nutritionist, finally you need to attend meetings with others who have had the procedure.

Prior to the surgery you will also be asked to lose at least 10 pounds. This is done so that the liver decreases in size with that weight loss, making more room, allowing it to be safer for the surgeon to manipulate the instruments as he does the by-pass or banding.

The surgery is not an answer, it is a tool to help you to lose the weight, and it is up to you to change your life style and eating habits to live a healthier life. It is possible to regain the weight back if you don't change your lifestyle.

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