Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is the most common bariatric procedure, making up more than half of all bariatric surgeries performed in the United States. This weight loss operation restricts your food intake and the amount of food your body absorbs. Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery should expect rapid weight loss, so it is best to be prepared for the physical and psychological changes.

Are you a candidate for Gastric Bypass?

If you have attempted but failed to lose weight through supervised diet changes and exercise, you may be a candidate for this procedure.  Most patients present a BMI (body mass index) of 35-40, along with one or more health problems related to obesity, such as sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis and other problems.

To benefit from bariatric surgery, one must be committed to making long-term lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and regular exercise.

How Gastric Bypass Surgery Works

Gastric bypass achieves weight loss by dividing the stomach to create a small pouch, then connecting it to a loop of the small intestine. Technically known as Roux-en-y gastric bypass, the surgery requires about 2 - 4 hours and is performed under a general anesthetic.  Many surgeons perform gastric bypass as a laparoscopic procedure.

During surgery, your bariatric surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen.  The abdomen is then inflated with gas to allow visual examination.  Through the incisions, the laparoscope and other tools are inserted.  Using surgical staples, your doctor creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach.  The pouch is then connected to a section of the small intestine, effectively bypassing part of the stomach and an upper portion of the small intestine.

Why Weight Loss Occurs After Gastric Bypass

A normal stomach can hold about 4 – 6 cups of food, while the stomach pouch created during gastric bypass can hold about 1 cup of food.  This is the restrictive outcome of the procedure.  An additional outcome is mild food malabsorption.  Bypassing the stomach and upper small intestine causes less absorption of food – mainly fats and starches.  Both of these outcomes result in immediate and dramatic weight loss.  During the first 6 – 12 months, it’s common for a patient to lose as much as 6 pounds per week.

Post-Operative Steps

After surgery, you may be placed on in-patient care for about 5 days.  The approximate recovery time (when you can return to a normal routine) is 3 – 5 weeks.  Our staff will give you special dietary instructions and help you transition into your new lifestyle.  There will be necessary changes to make in your diet; adequate protein intake, vitamin and mineral supplements, and restrictions on specific fatty foods are typically recommended.

Risks

Like any surgical operation, there are documented risks that should be taken into account before you decide to proceed with surgery.  During your consultation, you and your doctor can review the risks and possible complications associated with gastric bypass.

Making the choice to have bariatric surgery is a major step toward changing one’s lifestyle and physical appearance.  It’s not a decision to make with haste, but one that requires careful consideration and the guidance of a qualified bariatric surgeon.

Contact Surgical Arts of Inland Empire to learn more about bariatric surgery and gastric bypass in Rancho Cucamonga.