The Gastric Bypass Surgery in Lebanon
How Is It Done?
Malabsorptive and Restrictive Procedure.
The laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is conducted by the introduction of a laparoscope through small abdominal incisions. A video camera is connected to the laparoscope, so that Dr Safa has a perfectly magnified view of the internal organs – all displayed on a television monitor. Gas is inserted into the abdomen to provide expansion, and the whole operation is conducted ‘inside’ the abdomen. Approximately 5% of the stomach is separated by the use of special stapling tools, and this creates a new, small Gastric Pouch. The rest of the stomach (95%) stays in place, continuing on producing digestive juices. This newly formed Gastric Pouch has an outlet which is attached to the small intestine to enable the food to empty directly into the lower part of the intestine, therefore by-passing the stomach. Any digestive juices produced by the pancreas, stomach, duodenum and gall bladder are directed by the Biliopancreatic Limb into the common channel in a ‘Y’ shape hook-up, thereby giving this technique its name – Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The patient eats less and feels full sooner due to the small Gastric Pouch – the by-passing of a portion of the intestine ensures that the person’s body is only able to absorb a portion of the calories consumed. The most effective technique is to complete a hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy, instead of using the stapling tools. Surgeons who choose not to use the hand-sewing gastrojejunostomy method due to its technical difficulties will be left with no choice but to make larger Gastric Pouches so that the instruments will fit, enough to be able to create the anastomosis.
What Are The Benefits?
- High Blood Pressure
- Sleep Apnea
- Asthma
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Abnormal Cholesterol/Lipid Levels
- Acid Reflux
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Urinary Stress Incontinence
- Skin Fold Dermatitis
- Lower Back Pain
- Arthritis involving weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees, ankles and feet
In addition, the greatest benefit of all is that your risk of death can be reduced by as much as 89% with gastric bypass surgery, in contrast with remaining morbidly obese.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Video
What Are The Risks Involved?
- As with most types of surgery, there is always a general risk of anesthesia.
- Poor iron absorption can result in a deficiency of iron anemia. This occurs because the duodenum has been bypassed. This can create problems for patients who suffer from severe blood loss during menstrual flow, or from bleeding hemorrhoids.
- Anemia caused by a deficiency in Vitamin B12 can occur.
- It should be noted that all of the above-mentioned deficiencies could be controlled through vitamin supplements and proper diet.
- Again, because the duodenum has been bypassed, low absorption of calcium can cause metabolic bone disease in some people, causing loss of height, bone pain, fractures of the hipbones and ribs, and humping of the back. Women are already at risk for osteoporosis following menopause, and should be vigilant about potential bone calcium deficiency.
- Because of rapid emptying of the contents of the stomach into the small intestine, a condition known as ‘dumping syndrome’ can occur. This can be triggered by the consumption of excessive sugar or carbohydrates. The symptoms of dumping syndrome are weakness, nausea, faintness, sweating, and sometimes diarrhea following eating. This is not a serious health risk; however, the symptoms can certainly be unpleasant and indicate that you may not be following your recommended diet. This is known as the ‘safety valve’ created by the surgery, and unfortunately reminds you that you pay the price if you cheat.
- Should there be any issues following surgery, there could be an inability to detect the duodenum, stomach, and portions of the small intestine using endoscopy or X-ray.
Choosing the Hospital
- LEBANON, at the Bellevue Medical Center (BMC) or at Hayek Hospital.
- CANADA, at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal (Université de Montréal) or the RocklandMD Surgery Center.
If you are candidate for Weight Loss Surgery, and wish to know which surgery is best for you, fill out the Patient Questionnaire, and our team will help you decide.
Check this to compare the four main types of weight loss surgery.
More on Gastric Bypass Surgery by Dr Nagi Safa
From the book “Your Journey Out of Obesity” – Author: Dr Nagi Jean Safa
Twenty years of studies have proven that it is critical in maintaining long-term weight loss that a very small Gastric Pouch is created. A patient attempting to consume more than four ounces of food at any meal will feel very uncomfortable, and can experience regurgitation. This is a very common reaction, and can be corrected by proper eating behaviors. It will not take very long at all before you learn how to eat to avoid this discomfort and possible regurgitation. As you learn to consume less food, your body will learn to stop storing excess calories, and it will commence using its fat energy supply.
Are there Situations Where the gastric bypass Surgery is Not Recommended?
- Patients with lung disease who require oxygen therapy
- Patients with very limited mobility
- Substance abusers, narcotic dependency, or untreated psychiatric disorders
- Endocrine problems, such as Prader Willi Syndrome or Cushing’s Syndrome
- Patients who abuse alcohol or drugs
- Psychological instability
- Patients who have an inability to cope with dietary changes and life changes following surgery
- Those who refuse assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist.