Researchers Assess Risks, Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Perhaps no single other medical advance holds as much promise for turning back the tide of the obesity epidemic than gastric bypass surgery. Over the last several years, thousands of obese men and women have turned to this surgical procedure as a means of regaining control over their weight and health. However, despite the fact that gastric bypass surgery is clearly an effective means of losing weight, the safety of the surgery remains in doubt.

In the procedure, surgical changes are made that reduce the size of the stomach and disconnect part of the small intestine. As a result, the capacity of the stomach is significantly decreased, and the patient is forced to implement radical changes in their eating habits. Post-surgery weight losses of more than 100 pounds are not uncommon.

Still, scientists remain split over whether gastric bypass surgery represents a safe alternative to traditional approaches to weight loss, such as diets and exercise. Over the last few years, many conflicting reports on possible complications of gastric bypass surgery have led to further confusion.

This week, we'll dive into the controversy surrounding gastric bypass surgery with a review of several recent studies that have sought to assess the safety and success of the procedure.

Some Gastric Bypass Patients Suffer from Malnutrition, Study Shows

Part of the standard procedure for gastric bypass surgery results in a "rerouting" of the patient's digestive system. Stomach capacity is decreased, and part of the small intestine is closed off, resulting in the "bypass" that lends the procedure its name.

However, concerns are now surfacing that this bypass procedure may be limiting the ability of patients who undergo the procedure to absorb essential nutrients.

Scientists from the Washington Hospital Center recently presented data at a conference indicating that post-surgical bacteria growth in the small intestines could block the body's ability to process, digest, and absorb vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from the food that has been consumed. The chief concerned mentioned by the scientists was the possibility of calcium deficiencies, caused when alterations in the patient's intestinal bacteria disrupted nutrient absorption.

The team reported that this risk could be averted by adapting surgical techniques. The scientists also called for more standardization in the procedures that are used when performing gastric bypass surgeries.

Extremely Obese Patients May Be at Greater Risk for Complications after Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to help morbidly obese individuals lose weight and improve their overall health. However, according to the results of a recent study, patients who weigh more than 450 pounds may be at particular risk for post-surgery complications and problems.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Medicine, found that post-surgery complications often went undiagnosed in extremely obese patients, increasing their seriousness and impact. In part, it was found that standard diagnostic and imaging equipment is often ineffective for use on extremely obese individuals. Physicians who used standard equipment to perform post-surgery check-ups on extremely obese patients often missed signs of potential problems.

The researchers urged the use of appropriate equipment in order to improve post-surgery care for extremely obese patients. They also cautioned that extremely obese individuals who may be considering gastric bypass surgery should take these additional risks under advisement.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Could Increase Risk for Brain Disorders, Research Shows

A study conducted by scientists at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences indicates that gastric bypass surgery patients may be at higher risk for a number of neurological symptoms and disorders, including confusion, audio and visual hallucinations, optic neuropathy, weakness, pain, and loss of sensation in the legs and feet, among others.

Although the exact source of these neurological symptoms remains unclear, the scientists theorized that they could be the result of key vitamin deficiencies that result after gastric bypass surgery. All of the patients who experienced troubling neurological symptoms also had nutritional abnormalities, including low levels of copper, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium in their bloodstream.

The doctors urged a focus on the post-surgery nutrition of gastric bypass surgery patients. They also urged educational efforts to inform patients to keep aware of neurological symptoms.

If you or a loved one is considering gastric bypass surgery, talk to your doctor to find out if this procedure is the right option. Please check back each week for more breaking diet and weight loss research news.