What is a Gastric Bypass?
A gastric bypass is a combined procedure of restriction and malabsorption where a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach and up to a third of your proximal small bowel. Subsequently, a gastric bypass reduces the absorption of nutrients and thereby reduces the calorie intake.
Am I suitable for a gastric bypass?
Most patients who undergo a gastric bypass must have a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI of over 35 in combination with an obesity related co-morbidity such as type II diabetes, sleep apnoea or infertility. Many of these co-morbidities have been proven to substantially improve following weight loss surgery. You must be fit enough to have a general anaesthetic to avoid any postoperative complications. In addition, you must be willing to adopt your lifestyle, in order to ensure that you do not regain weight in years to come. By adopting a healthy diet and a regular exercise regime, you are much more likely to maintain your weight loss results.
What are the advantages?
The majority of gastric bypass procedures are performed laparoscopically (keyhole techniques) here at Obesity Surgery Manchester. Therefore, a quicker recovery is achieved as well as an earlier return to work. Most patients are only required to stay in hospital 1-2 nights and once the bariatric team are satisfied with your observations and you are happy, you will discharged.A major advantage of gastric bypass surgery as mentioned above is the fact that co-morbidities such as type II diabetes, sleep apnoea and high blood pressure can be improved or even cured. Finally, the substantial weight loss which can be achieved is a significant advantage and most patients achieve fantastic results, losing around 70-80% of their excess weight.
What are the disadvantages of a gastric bypass?
One of the main disadvantages of this procedure is the fact that it is irreversible, therefore if you were to have any second doubts postoperatively, there is little that can be done. As with any surgery, there is the usual risk of bleeding, infection, DVT, PE and a minimal risk to life. Here at Obesity Surgery Manchester we have performed over 1200 different weight loss procedures and have had no mortalities. Following a gastric bypass, supplements such as multivitamins are to be taken and patients must be committed to taking these supplements. Likewise, in order to maintain your results, it is vital that a healthier lifestyle is adopted. If you continue to adopt a poor diet or over eat, dumping syndrome can occur. This refers to patients who experience abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, dizziness, nausea and also sweating.
Here at Obesity Surgery Manchester, we have many patients who have been extremely happy following their gastric bypass surgery. Why not take a look at what some of our patients have to say, click here to read more.