Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Wellstar offers laparoscopic gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y, a surgery that can lead to significant weight loss for people with chronic obesity and serious related health conditions.
Reduce weight & health risks with gastric bypass
Gastric bypass involves modifying the digestive system to help people lose weight by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold. This procedure also alters the hunger hormones, helping people feel fuller and satisfied for longer periods of time. People who undergo gastric bypass are typically successful in losing excess body weight.
Preparing for gastric bypass
Our team will consider your medical history and overall health to see if you are a good candidate for this type of procedure. Candidates for gastric bypass include people with a:
- BMI of 35 or higher
- Obesity-related health conditions
- Commitment to making long-term life changes
Your surgeon will get you ready for gastric bypass, which will include several preoperative steps, like dietary changes, medical clearance and physical preparations such as exercising, life-long abstinence from smoking and pausing medications or supplements as instructed by your doctor. Following these measures can help you go into your procedure better prepared both physically and mentally, which can improve your outcome.
During gastric bypass surgery
You will be given an anesthetic to put you to sleep for the surgery. Your surgeon will make several small incisions in your abdomen. A laparoscope and thin surgical instruments will be inserted through the incisions. Your board-certified bariatric surgeon will perform the procedure in two parts:
- Stomach reduction: The surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach. This pouch is about the size of a golf-ball or egg and can hold only a little more than an ounce of food. This reduces the amount of food you can eat.
- Small intestine bypass: The small pouch is then connected directly to the middle part of the small intestine (the jejunum), bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine (the duodenum). This reduces the number of calories and nutrients your body absorbs.
The average time for gastric bypass typically ranges around one to two hours but can vary depending on a patient’s medical history and other personal factors. Our surgeons use advanced minimally invasive techniques that help decrease the time it takes to complete the surgery as well as recovery time, allowing patients to return home sooner.
Recovery from gastric bypass
Most patients stay in the hospital for one night after the surgery. This will depend on the patient’s recovery after surgery. A nurse or therapist will help you get up and walk soon after your surgery to keep your blood moving and improve healing. You may not be able to eat immediately after surgery but will soon be able to have liquids then pureed and soft foods. The post-operative diet should include high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals. You will find that you become full after a small meal. You will need to take extra vitamins and supplements to stay healthy.
Typically, patients return to work and normal activities, including strenuous activity in one to two weeks. Full recovery usually takes around four to six weeks.
Support after gastric bypass
Wellstar Comprehensive Bariatric Services supports patients after surgery to help you make the changes and build habits you need to maintain your results. Our approach includes monitoring and guidance from a physician, dietitian, exercise physiologist and psychologist. In addition to having access to a team of weight loss experts, you can consider joining a support group.
Long-term gastric bypass results
People who undergo gastric bypass can expect to lose about 60% to 75% of their excess body weight within two to three years. This weight loss is generally sustained over time when patients follow the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes.
After gastric bypass, lifestyle changes include a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity and follow-up visits to the clinic.
Patients must commit to taking vitamins and minerals for life to prevent deficiencies. Ongoing medical check-ups are necessary to monitor nutritional status and manage any complications. Following dietary guidelines is crucial to avoid gastrointestinal issues and ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Every patient receives ongoing support to make these changes and enjoy the benefits of long-term weight loss success.