WOMEN AND THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE

Most of us know that we could do with losing a bit of weight in order that we can look and feel better. But for people who are very overweight losing weight is an essential action to prevent major health problems. Exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to do this. But for some people it just doesn’t work. For these people surgery is an option. A gastric bypass is one surgery 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 surgery for a gastric bypass involves the division of the stomach in two as well as the rearrangement of the small intestine leading to a reduction of food capacity of over 90%. The surgery is done under a general anaesthetic so that you are totally unaware of what is happening to you and you feel no pain. You will be in the operating theater for between one and two hours.

A person needs to monitor their diet very carefully after surgery due to the change in shape and capacity of the stomach. An entirely clear liquid diet is recommended for two days after the operation after which pureed food is introduced. For nutritional purposes it is important that a high fiber and protein diet is followed, as well as one that is low in sugar and fat.

As with any surgery there are risks. Although the majority of people have no problems following surgery there are some people who suffer from a condition called dumping. This occurs when too much sugar is consumed and can lead to an individual feeling anxious and suffering from a very rapid heart beat. It is also possible that further surgery may be required if there have been any complications during the initial surgery.

For an individual to get and maintain a healthy body weight it is important that they follow a strict diet and exercise regime. For the month straight after surgery people can find themselves finding the changes difficult to cope with. Food can be a huge emotional comfort to people and when it is taken away people can struggle. Once people see the improvement in their health however the change becomes worth it.