Mal-absorptive Weight Loss Surgery
Mal-absorptive weight loss works in concurrence with restrictive weight loss when restrictive weight loss cannot tackle the problem on its own. Mal-absorptive weight loss amends the body’s digestion, commonly achieved by a bypass of the small intestine which reduces caloric absorption. Mal-absorptive surgery has resulted in a general increase in excess weight loss. The side-effects typically increase as the small intestine bypass increases. These concerns should be discussed, in detail, with your bariatric surgeon prior to committing to weight loss surgery at all.
The Gastrointestinal Tract
Understanding how weight loss surgery works is best illustrated with an explanation of your gastrointestinal tract, and its many functions. As food which you have eaten passes along the gastrointestinal tract, enzymes and juices are brought together as the food progresses which allow nutrients to be absorbed. The wasted food is then arranged for removal.
1. The oesophagus traverses food from the mouth to the stomach
2. The abdomen encloses all digestive organs
3. The stomach is located at the top of the abdomen and typically holds approximately three pints of food from one single meal. It is here where acid is added to the food to prepare it for digestion by breaking it down into smaller components
4. There exists a valve between the stomach and oesophagus which prevents the food returning to the oesophagus resulting in discomfort and potential damage.
5. The pylorus can be found at the outlet of the stomach. Its job is to close the stomach outlet whilst the digestion process is taking place. Once the food has been properly digested the stomach’s outlet is re-opened allowing food to pass.
6. The small intestine is 15ft - 20 ft long and this is where the absorption of nutrients takes place. The small intestine is broken down into tree main parts; the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum.
7. The duodenum mixes the food with bile (which is fashioned by the liver) as well as other fluids from the pancreas. The iron and calcium is absorbed at this stage.
8. The jejunum is entirely responsible for digestion.
9. The ileum absorbs vitamins A, D, E and K.
10. There exists a separate valve between the small and large intestines which prevent bacteria-laced contents from arriving back inside the small intestine.
2. The abdomen encloses all digestive organs
3. The stomach is located at the top of the abdomen and typically holds approximately three pints of food from one single meal. It is here where acid is added to the food to prepare it for digestion by breaking it down into smaller components
4. There exists a valve between the stomach and oesophagus which prevents the food returning to the oesophagus resulting in discomfort and potential damage.
5. The pylorus can be found at the outlet of the stomach. Its job is to close the stomach outlet whilst the digestion process is taking place. Once the food has been properly digested the stomach’s outlet is re-opened allowing food to pass.
6. The small intestine is 15ft - 20 ft long and this is where the absorption of nutrients takes place. The small intestine is broken down into tree main parts; the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum.
7. The duodenum mixes the food with bile (which is fashioned by the liver) as well as other fluids from the pancreas. The iron and calcium is absorbed at this stage.
8. The jejunum is entirely responsible for digestion.
9. The ileum absorbs vitamins A, D, E and K.
10. There exists a separate valve between the small and large intestines which prevent bacteria-laced contents from arriving back inside the small intestine.
