SubscribeGastric Bypass: What You Need to Know
Today, About.com explains gastric bypass surgery:
Gastric bypass isn't really anything new. You're just hearing more about it now, thanks to some well-known "losers" like Carnie Wilson and Al Roker. This procedure has been lauded as a weight loss "miracle" for years.Gastric bypass has helped many morbidly obese individuals successfully lose 100 or more pounds. The procedure is recommended as a weight loss option for medical reasons (rather than cosmetic). Losing such a significant amount of weight improves many of the very serious potential health risks associated with this level of obesity.
What Does it Do?
By reducing the stomach's capacity of holding food, and bypassing part of the small intestine, gastric bypass (also known as "stomach stapling") leads to weight loss by limiting the amount of food you are physically capable of digesting. The empty space inside your stomach is quite literally "shrunk" and thereby, the number of calories you can eat is reduced. In turn, the intestinal bypass prevents some of the calories that you do consume from being absorbed.Is it as Easy as it Sounds?
No, gastric bypass isn't easy. And it's not "taking the easy way out" as some try to dismiss it. Losing weight takes a lot of hard work, whatever the method! Your lifestyle will need to change significantly after the procedure. You'll have to follow your doctor's instructions to the letter -- not only to make the procedure effective, but to also avoid side effects that can occur if you deviate from his orders. This includes following your prescripted diet plan.
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Sigh...education is so important. I'm terribly disappointed in Miss Scott's lack of research here. The stomach staple to which she refers is only one of many procedures, and it's only one of several means of gastric bypass.
Al Roker lies if he said he has given up McDonald's. Carnie Wilson also lies if she says she doesn't still eat a candy bar. What this surgery, in any form, teaches is the concept of moderation. Al Roker may still go to McDonald's (and I will bet important parts of my anatomy that he does) but now, he may have half of a hamburger instead of 3 double quarter pounders.
I also found it somewhat amusing that "death" was listed as a "complication" from weight loss surgery. *giggle*
These types of articles strike me as propaganda and this particular article is no different. Immediately focusing on the laparoscopic procedure is a dead giveaway to me that it's a sponsored article. "What You Need to Know About: Gastric Bypass" doesn't begin to cover what someone really needs to know. But in reading the bio on the author, I am going to put Jennifer's lack of thoroughness down to her age and lack of experience in the real world.
Thanks for bringing this article out though!
ReplyMarybeth, thanks for your input and clarification on these issues. I had no idea, and missed the entire "advertising angle" completely.
ReplyMarybeth follows with more on her own blog, at http://makeashorterlink.com/?S5C312126 .
ReplyObesity/weight loss marketing and advertising is a multi-billion dollar industry. Many times when an interested person contacts a gastric bypass clinic, they don't even get to speak to a doctor. They must attend an informational seminar (many surgeons even charge for this) and watch a video, receive shiny brochures, and listen to a carefully prepared speech from the primary surgeon.
But it isn't limited to weight loss surgery. Think of Atkins with their new line of foods. Think how pretty and mainstream Weight Watchers has become now. Think of how all these new diet supplements scream out "ephedra free" as if that makes it OK even though the actual ingredients are barely mentioned now.
It's all an advertising machine and if you think about it, we of the heavier weights are probably the most vulnerable demographic out there. Well, us and children. Makes you wonder where that leaves fat children.
There's a great book called "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All American Meal" which draws out just how powerless we are to sights and smells.
Replythis is awsome
ReplyNice article, and I find it refreshing that the comments are as interesting as the article itself.
Thanks
ReplyI had gastric bypass a couple of weeks ago and it is the best decision I've made in my life. I've been overweight most of my life and now I finally can take control. With the help of my nutritionist, I know I will do this. Also, for those who are thinking of doing this surgery, you must commit for the rest of your life. You must follow this way of eating for the rest of your life, or else you may undo what the doctors did. The stomach is like a muscle and if you go back to your old eating habits, it will grow again and all that weight will come back again. This is why some gastric bypass patients who do not follow their diet, end up just where they started off.
ReplySo here is to all those gastric bypass patients, DONT give up. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
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