Gastric bypass surgery
What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
- Jon Armstrong
Gastric bypass surgery
Gastric Bypass Surgery in brief
If you are considering a gastric bypass surgery, or you have discussed your options for obesity surgery with your GP or specialist, then this article will provide clarity on the procedure.
At Advance Surgical, we value clear communication and that is why we share articles and publish videos, to help you understand the treatment options and make well informed decisions. Gastric bypass surgery is a reliable and widely supported type of weight loss surgery. Over the last four decades, the procedure has been applied safely and with very satisfying results.
In brief, a gastric bypass procedure reduces the size of your stomach and this is the starting point of your weight loss journey. At Advance Surgical in Perth, we have helped many patients transform their health situation through weight loss surgery, with many of the co-morbidities and other related conditions being reduced after the operation. The most common ones include diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis problems and sleep apnoea.
Gastric bypass surgery
A Narrow Pouch
What the surgery does is reduce your stomach to a much smaller size by dividing it in two. It becomes a narrow pouch, able to contain smaller amounts of food. The rest of your stomach no longer has an active role after your surgery and is totally separated (bypassed) from the small pouch that now takes over your stomach function. This situation also reduces the intensity of a patient’s hunger feelings.
The second part of the gastric bypass surgery is to re-route the intestine up to your new small stomach pouch to drain it. Usually a segment of your small bowel is connected to the remains of the stomach. Gastric bypass surgery is usually performed laparoscopically. Sometimes you will hear obesity surgery specialists or patients talk about a Roux-en-Y procedure. This is just another name for a gastric bypass, and refers to César Roux, the surgeon who first described this type of weight loss procedure.
Gastric bypass surgery
What is the outcome of a Gastric Bypass Procedure?
As a result of this weight loss operation, the volume of food you can eat is reduced. The absorption of nutrients is also reduced in the bypassed segments of small bowel.
In combination with changes to your lifestyle, a gastric bypass helps patients get rid of 70 to 80% of your excess weight. The procedure is relatively safe, with complication rates of 2 to 4%.
Gastric bypass surgery
What to expect with Obesity Surgery?
When you are diagnosed with a BMI over 35, and your obesity surgeon has confirmed that you are a suitable candidate for weight loss surgery, the first step is to discuss your treatment options. This is based on your personal situation, your medical history, lifestyle and expectations.
The actual surgery will require that you stay at the hospital for 2 to 3 days. After your gastric bypass (or any other type of weight loss procedure), the team at Advance Surgical Perth will support you to adapt your lifestyle and a gastric bypass diet adapted to your new situation. Most of our Perth patients are able to return to a normal routine after a 2-week recovery period.
So, if you have considered weight loss surgery, and you still have unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Advance Surgical Perth, 08 9386 2634.
