Gastric Bypass

Nowadays, weight management is the biggest problem for people from all age groups. Weight loss surgery options are preferred when alternative means of weight loss such as exercise, diet management, and so on fail to work.

Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, is one of the most popular weight loss surgery options during which the size of the stomach is decreased. The reduced size of the stomach allows for reduced consumption of food by the patient, which in turn, results in gradual weight loss.

Other popular weight loss surgery options include:

• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Adjustable gastric band
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

Of all the bariatric procedures, gastric bypass is the most preferred options for weight loss because of the greater possibility of positive outcomes. Moreover, there are no major side effects of gastric bypass.

 What are the criteria for gastric bypass surgery?

 Not everyone is an ideal candidate for gastric bypass surgery. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more and with a history of heart disease, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea are mostly recommended gastric bypass surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery is performed in two phases:

Phase I

• A small part of the stomach, of about 30 millilitres to 1 ounce in volume, is cut.
• This is done to form a gastric pouch, where the food will go after eating once the patient is done with the surgery.

 Phase II: Bypass

• The upper part of the small intestine is cut in the middle. The lower part of the small intestine, jejunum, is now attached to the gastric pouch.
• The upper part of the small intestine is also attached to the jejunum. This facilitates the mixing of stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the stomach pouch and the upper portion of the small intestine with the food. This allows for normal digestion.

• 1-4 days of hospital stay may be required
• Pain medications and medicines to prevent blood clots is administered after the surgery
• The patient is able to eat normally only after 3 days of the surgery
• Special stockings to prevent formation of blood clots in the legs will be advised
• The patient should follow diet and exercise as suggested by the physician and the dietitian

  There is a significant weight loss in the first month after the surgery, which gradually decreases. To maintain the intensity of weight loss, the patient must follow a strict exercise routine and diet.

  The following medical conditions usually improve after gastric bypass surgery:

  • Asthma
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obstructive sleep apnea