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Gastric Bypass Surgery
Treatment
Laparoscopic or Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery is a procedure that treats obesity-related health problems through food restriction and malabsorption.
How Does Gastric Bypass Work?
- A small pouch, called a stoma, is formed in the upper portion of your stomach.
- The intestine is divided, and the lower intestine is connected to the stoma.
- The rest of your stomach is stapled shut and divided from the stoma.
- This newly formed pouch empties into the middle section of the small intestine and bypasses calorie absorption. This also means nutrients are not absorbed normally (malabsorption).
If you choose laparoscopic surgery, it is performed through small incisions using special tools and does not require surgeons to open your entire abdominal wall.
Recovery is quicker with laparoscopic surgery and you will likely experience less pain than if you choose open surgery.
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose With Gastric Bypass?
Weight loss is generally rapid within the first six months. Gastric bypass surgery is considered successful at about 60 to 70 percent excess weight lost.
