GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY
Gastric bypass surgery is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery. Considered the “gold standard” in weight loss surgery, the gastric bypass procedure has been around longer and is the most well-researched weight loss procedure. It is widely regarded as a safe and effective way to lose excess weight and treat obesity-related disorders. Gastric bypass is usually recommended for super obese patients with a BMI over 45.
At the Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center, Dr. Galvani and our surgeons specialize in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery that uses smaller incisions and leads to less scarring, less pain and faster recovery.
Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery must commit to healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and regular exercise, to maintain weight loss long term.
Advantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery
• Proven long term track record
• Average weight loss of 60 to 80 percent of excess weight within the first year
• Significantly reduces and sometimes eliminates conditions related to obesity including type 2 diabetes
• Reduced desire to eat
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Procedure
Dr. Galvani and the expert surgeons at the Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center offer the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery procedure. Roux en-Y gastric bypass is done laparoscopically. The surgery is performed using smaller incisions and a tiny camera.
During gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch in the stomach is divided from a larger part of the stomach. The small detached pouch is connected to the lower end of the small intestine (jejunum). The newly created stomach has a smaller capacity. Food consumed travels directly to a section of your lower intestine (jejunum) and bypasses a portion of intestine (duodenum).
The average operation time is 2 to 3 hours.
Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery restricts your food intakes and changes your digestive process. The smaller pouch has a smaller capacity that fills quickly. You will have a shorter digestion time that leads to less calorie absorption. The larger detached stomach remnant continues to produce digestive juices, enzymes and hormones.
Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery will typically lose the majority of excess weight within a year. On average, patients lost around 60 to 80 percent of their excess weight in the first year.
Health Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery
• Gastric bypass surgery typically causes resolution of type 2 diabetes and many other obesity-related medical conditions
• Reduced or resolved hypertension and high cholesterol
• Relief from joint pain
• Improved mood and more energy
Possible Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery carries a low risk of complications. Your compliance with pre-op and post-op diet guidelines and your follow-up appointment schedule greatly impact complications after surgery.
Potential complications can include bleeding, internal hernia, staple line leaks, wound infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gallstones, kidney stones, nutritional deficiency.