Gastric Bypass Surgery

This procedure tries to achieve the result, by changing  the digestive process.  There are two parts to the procedure. The one, called restrictive aspect aims to limit food intake. The other, called the malabsorptive component works by bypassing a large part of digestive process, thus letting only a few calories and nutrients to be absorbed into the blood stream. This results in an early sense of fullness, because the stomach is smaller. Since most calories are not absorbed, the capacity to put on more weight is also reduced. However, since certain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals are also not absorbed, they need to be supplemented for the rest of life.

The restrictive part of the operation involves creating a small stomach pouch (15 to 20 cc).  This is achieved by stapling the rest of the stomach completely shut.  A connection is made from the newly formed pouch into lower part of the small intestine(jejunum). This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the first part of the intestine (duodenum) and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption.

View Animation of the Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Procedure.


Advantages of Gastric Bypass:

According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States.
Studies show that patients can maintain 65%-80% of targeted excess weight loss even at ten years after surgery.
Serious health risks are significantly improved or cured.
Surgery takes approximately two-three hour to perform and the hospital stay is two to three days.

Disadvantages of Gastric Bypass:
Bypassing a segment of small intestine results in poor absorption of iron, calcium and certain vitamins. To prevent nutritional deficiencies, patients will need to take daily vitamins including calcium, iron, multivitamins and protein supplements for the rest of their lives.

A condition known as "dumping syndrome" can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the results can be unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. For most patients, this syndrome is short lived.

The surgery is irreversible.