Gastric Bypass
Gastric Bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part
of the small intestine. The most common bariatric surgery in the United States is
a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. The stomach is made smaller by creating a pouch at the
top of the stomach. The smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion
of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion
of the small intestine. Patients having gastric bypass stay in the hospital an average
of 3 to 5 days, and return to normal activities in 4 to 6 weeks.
The result of the surgery is that you will feel full more quickly than when your
stomach was its original size. This reduces the amount of food you eat and the calories
consumed. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in fewer calories being absorbed.
With Gastric Bypass Surgery, it is important to remember surgery will require you
to make several changes in how you eat, such as eating only a few ounces of food
at a time because the surgery creates a much smaller stomach, and taking a lifelong vitamin,
and calcium replacement to avoid micronutrient malnutrition.
Gastric Bypass Facts: Significantly higher risk of surgical complications. On average
70%-80% excess weight loss at one year. Faster resolution of co-morbidities than
with Lap Band. Non-reversible.
Risks: Bleeding, infection, leak, dumping syndrome, mortality 2-5%. A more comprehensive
discussion of the risks and benefits of gastric bypass is covered in depth in our
information seminars.
See a direct comparison of Lap Band Surgery
and Gastric Bypass Surgery.