Gastric Bypass Surgery -- 718.780.3288

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery uses a combination of restriction and malabsorption. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. Having the smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patients body absorbs fewer calories.

Life After Gastric Bypass:  Excess Weight Loss
Gastric bypass patients typically lost 61.6 percent of their excess weight.

Health Benefits
Studies found that gastric bypass:

• Resolved type 2 diabetes in 83.8% of patients and often resolved the disease within days of surgery
• Resolved high blood pressure in 75.4% of patients
• Improved high cholesterol in 95% of patients
  

Quality of Life
One meta-analysis stated that for bariatric surgery patients who experienced significant weight loss:

• Overall quality of life improved greatly.
• They experienced improved physical functioning and appearance.
• They experienced improved social and economic opportunities.

Recovery
One study found that gastric bypass patients were able to:

• Leave the hospital after two days
• Return to work after 21 days

Potential Concerns of Gastric Bypass

• A condition known as dumping syndrome can occur from eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. While it isnt considered a health risk, the results can be very unpleasant and may include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea.
• Patients must supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin and calcium. Some patients must take vitamin B12 and/or iron.
• The stomach, duodenum, and parts of the small intestine cannot be seen easily using X-ray or endoscopy if there are problems after surgery such as ulcers, bleeding, or malignancy.

For more information, please call 718.780.3288.