When mentioning gastric bypass side effects, it is important to remember that they must be juxtaposed with the weight loss results and long-term health benefits. For obese people with Type 2 diabetes, gastric bypass surgery is the most effective treatment. Gastric bypass surgery not only results in weight loss, but improved the survival rates as the patient’s risk for cancer and heart disease were also reduced. When people consider life and death, the side effects of gastric bypass surgery seem minimal. The most common side effect is nausea and vomiting, which usually occurs in the first few months after surgery. This is caused by eating too quickly, taking too large of bites, not chewing well enough and eating too much. By paying attention to fullness and eating as directed by your dietitian or nutritionist, this side effect can be minimized. Dehydration is also a common side effect as you recover from surgery. Because your eating habits are changed, it is easy to become dehydrated. Soon after surgery it is difficult to consume the amount of fluid necessary to maintain hydration, and takes some change in habits to get enough fluids. Other food related side effects can occur which includes “dumping syndrome” when too much sugary or fatty foods are eaten. Dumping syndrome includes nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Knowing what types of foods you can tolerate is key to avoiding this side effect. Hair thinning occurs frequently between 2 to 10 months post-operatively. This is due to the reduced absorption of vitamins and minerals from your food. As your body adjusts to the changes, and you maintain your multi-vitamin regiment, hair will return to normal. Along with the significant weight loss, a cold intolerance can occur. Because of the body loosing the insulating body fat, and a change in metabolism you can feel cold. As your body adjusts, this feeling will subside. Regardless of these gastric bypass side effects, the health benefits often outweigh the risks involved for the morbidly obese.
Leave a comment | View Comments