Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is a surgical weight-loss procedure. It is performed in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia. You need to fast for at least 8 hours before the operation. On the day before surgery, blood thinners are given at a dose sufficient to prevent blood clots. Once the patient has been put to sleep by the anaesthetist, a urinary catheter is inserted. Gastric bypass is performed using the laparoscopic, or keyhole, method. Several skin incisions of 5 to 10 mm are made, and a thin camera about 30 cm long is inserted into the abdomen. Long rods thinner than a pen are then placed inside the abdomen. Using these rods and surgical staplers, a stomach pouch about 6 cm long and 3 cm wide is created from the part of the stomach just below the oesophagus. To reduce absorption, a section of small intestine located about 200 cm beyond the point known as the ligament of Treitz is joined to the stomach pouch. To confirm that the joins between the new stomach pouch and the intestine are secure, the anaesthetist performs a leak test by filling the stomach with blue-dyed fluid. This test is sometimes carried out with air, and sometimes with both methods. The operation is completed by closing the incisions, without removing any part of the stomach from the body.
What is gastric bypass, in brief?
Gastric bypass is one of the most commonly performed operations in the world. It helps people lose weight through two mechanisms. In gastric bypass, a small stomach volume is created, and this small stomach is then connected to the small intestine. Food bypasses the larger part of the stomach and passes directly into the small intestine. This is what is known as gastric bypass.
Is gastric bypass the right operation for me?
Gastric bypass is a suitable operation for patients with a body mass index above 35, those with diabetes, and those whose diet is high in sugary foods, alcohol, high-calorie snacks and cola.
How long will I stay in hospital after gastric bypass?
You will usually stay in hospital for around 2–3 days after the operation. During this time, once you are able to take water and liquid foods, and if your doctor considers it appropriate, the drain is removed and you can be discharged.
What can I expect after gastric bypass?
After the operation, you will feel full easily after eating only a small amount of food. Over time, this fullness will turn into lasting satiety and reduced appetite. Your use of the necessary vitamin and mineral supplements will be monitored according to the instructions of your surgeons and dietitians. This allows you to lose weight comfortably without vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
How much weight can I lose after gastric bypass?
Within 1–2 years of gastric bypass, it is possible to lose 50–100% of your excess weight. Your success in losing weight depends on how well you follow your diet and exercise programme after surgery. For example, someone who weighs 120 kg at the time of surgery may lose around 50–60 kg after gastric bypass.