Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass, also referred to as the Roux-en-Y Bypass is a popular metabolic bariatric surgery for obesity. It is a combination of portion restriction and nutrient/calorie malabsorption that translates into a significant weight loss. The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch from the top of the stomach using surgical staples. This size reduction restricts the amount of food a person can eat and makes them feel full quickly. The first section of the small intestine is bypassed, and new small stomach is connected to the second part of the intestine which reduce calorie and nutrient absorption. In addition, changes to hunger hormones results in a smaller appetite. When patients follow the prescribed after surgery lifestyle they can lose 70-80 % of their excess weight.

The surgical approach is laparoscopic which is also referred to as minimally invasive. Patients are left with 5 small incisions. The site of the small incisions is where the fine, delicate instruments and tiny camera enter to guide and perform the surgery. In certain circumstances, the approach is robotically assisted.

Advantages are the improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions like Diabetes Type 2, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Joint Disease, Sleep Apnea, Infertility, Migraines, and more. Increased energy for daily activities and exercise.is typically reported and improvements to longevity, sleep, mood and overall quality of life.

Risks may include cardiac/pulmonary events, bowel obstruction, staple line leak, infection, ulcers, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies. The risks and benefits of weight loss surgery will be addressed with your surgeon and bariatric team.

When Is it Time to Have Weight Loss Surgery?

Questions to Ask Yourself About Bariatric Surgery

Losing weight isn’t easy. And if the weight returns, it can feel like, “What’s the point in dieting?” It doesn’t matter how you got to this point or why the world we live in makes it so easy to be overweight. If you’re reading this article, then you’re probably thinking about what you can do to make a dramatic change in your weight and your life.

Weight loss surgery is a commitment to yourself to living a better life. But how do you know if it’s time, or if you’re okay with life as usual? Spend some time to think about your answers to the following questions.

Questions to ask yourself

Do I struggle with health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea?
Do I feel like people see or treat me differently because of my weight?
Is my weight standing in the way of getting a job or keeping a job?
How many ways have I tried to lose weight? Is it working?
How do I feel about the way I look in photos?
Does my weight affect things I can do with my family?
Am I willing to make changes that can help me keep weight off?

Do you qualify for weight loss surgery?

Generally speaking, you may qualify for bariatric surgery if you have:

Body Mass Index (BMI) or 40 or more
BMI over 35 with serious obesity-related health conditions, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes
Tried many ways to lose weight, only to regain the weight back
No alcohol or drug addiction
Obesity that is not related to an endocrine condition

Explore Weight Loss Surgery Options

Our accredited bariatric team is available to talk through medical weight-loss services that are right for you. Why weight? Weight loss surgery could be the answer to your questions about what it will take to get to the life you want to live.

Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.

Sources:

National Institutes of Health, “Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity.”

Obesity Action Coalition