Post Gastric Bypass Symptoms

Obesity is a life-threatening public health problem. Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that's often recommended for patients who are morbidly obese, have tried other weight loss techniques, and are at serious health risk because of their weight. Every year, thousands of people have gastric bypass surgery. The surgery can be performed through an open incision or done laparoscopically. More surgeons are opting for the laparoscopic method, which leads to fewer complications. The procedure involves making the stomach smaller and bypassing the top portion of the small intestine. Post-surgery, the person cannot eat as much, and less calories are absorbed. While the surgery undoubtedly promotes quick and substantial weight loss, very serious, even life-threatening, side effects can occur after surgery. Careful consideration must be taken before making this serious decision.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are the most common symptoms following gastric bypass surgery. Nausea and vomiting may be caused by overeating, hypoglycemia, dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying), or intolerance of certain foods. Following a strict dietary plan will help.

Pain

After surgery, incision pain, along with pain from the operation and manipulation of the intestines during surgery, is common. Pain relievers will be prescribed by the health-care provider. In addition, pain may be experienced after overeating or eating the wrong foods. High-fiber or bulky foods, those that produce gas, and highly refined sugary foods can produce abdominal pain. Avoiding these items usually takes care of the problem. Pain can also be a sign of infection, peritonitis (fluid building up in the abdominal cavity), gallstones, a hernia at the incision site, or ulcers. Those who experience pain not associated with post-op discomfort or improper diet should consult their physicians immediately.

Reflux

Reflux is a very common symptom after surgery. A stomach that was used to taking in a quart of food is now reduced to the size of a walnut, only allowing about two tablespoons of food consumption. Reflux is normally caused by overeating or eating foods that should be avoided. Carbonation, carbohydrates and spicy foods tend to cause reflux.

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is one of the most common conditions that occur after gastric bypass surgery. Dumping syndrome is characterized by nausea and vomiting, weakness, fatigue, sweating, diarrhea (sometimes severe and right after eating), and feeling faint. Food nutrients and calories are absorbed in the small intestine. As the top portion (duodenum) of the intestine is bypassed in the surgery, there may not be time to absorb the food, making it pass right through, causing diarrhea. Many of the other symptoms, such as sweatiness, weakness and fatigue, are direct results of the body not absorbing the nutrients it needs. Proper diet and the daily intake of a multivitamin will help with these symptoms.

Hypoglycemia

A few people experience severe hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, headache, fatigue, extreme hunger, racing heart rate, confusion and even coma. After gastric bypass surgery the body is hypersensitive to insulin release, and combined with dietary changes, hypoglycemia can occur and not respond to conventional treatment.

Psychological Effects

The morbidly obese person has depended on food for years, perhaps for a lifetime. Overeating is often a result of emotional issues that may arise post-surgery. The chemical changes in a person's body can also contribute to mood changes, depression, anxiety and insomnia. In addition, many who go through the surgery have altered body images. Even though they are losing weight, they may still feel obese. Additional emotional distress may occur after they lose weight because they don't have the body image they thought they would (due to lack of muscle tone, loose skin, etc.). Participating in a support group, or sharing with someone who has "been there, done that," can be extremely helpful.

Nutritional Compromise

As mentioned, the small intestine is the place where nutrients are absorbed. Therefore, when it is bypassed, nutrients are not absorbed completely. People can develop vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12, iron and calcium. The use of a recommended daily multivitamin supplement is imperative. Many people find they cannot handle a large adult vitamin and need to take children's chewable vitamins. Signs of nutritional compromise may include hair loss, body aches, fatigue and dry skin, and can lead to osteoporosis and anemia.

Tags: bypass surgery, gastric bypass, gastric bypass surgery, occur after, small intestine