Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is one of the surgical treatment method for obesity. It is also known by the name “Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery”. As one might guess from the word “bypass”, it involves bypassing a significant portion of the stomach. A small pouch is created, and it is connected directly to small intestine. This is done with the following purpose: to let food go only through this small segment of the stomach, bypassing the bigger part of the stomach and going right into the small intestine.

Steps of Gastric Bypass Surgery:

1. Stomach is cut into two parts: one small pouch and the remaining part of the stomach.

2. The small intestine is cut and connected to the newly created small pouch of the stomach.

3. Food bypasses the bigger part of the stomach and some of the small intestine, and directly enters the middle of the small intestine.

Gastric bypass, just like sleeve gastrectomy, can result in significant weight loss (almost up to 70% of the initial body weight). Another advantage of gastric bypass is, it is reversible by a secondary surgery, because the bypassed part of the stomach is not removed but remains inside the abdomen.

Together with gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass is the go-to procedure when obesity treatment is considered. In some places, this surgery is performed with traditional approach, while in modern times it is mostly being performed laparoscopically, with minimal incisions.

Who can be eligible for Gastric Bypass?

If you’re significantly overweight and want to make a lifestyle change, you may be a candidate for Gastric Bypass at Obesity Center 360. If:

> You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (extreme obesity).

> You have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 (obesity) and a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea.

> Your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health problems, you may be eligible for certain types of weight-loss surgery.

Obesity surgery isn’t for everyone who is overweight. To be eligible for weight-loss surgery, you may need to meet certain medical criteria. If you feel that you are meeting any of the criteria above, please feel free to contact Obesity Center 360 to get free consultation and help.

Preparing to Gastric Bypass

You will be expected to begin a physical activity program and stop smoking in the weeks leading up to your surgery. You can be restricted in what you may eat and drink before your operation, as well as which drugs you may take.

The procedure for a gastric bypass is performed in a hospital. Depending on your condition, your hospital stay will last 2 to 3 days.

The Procedure

Before your surgery, you will be given general anesthesia. Anesthesia is a medication that keeps you asleep and relaxed during the surgery.

Obesity Center 360 surgeons performs gastric bypass surgery laparoscopically, which entails inserting instruments through multiple small incisions in the abdomen.

The surgeon cuts across the top of your stomach, sealing it off from the rest of your stomach, after making the incisions using the laparoscopic technique. The end result is a walnut-sized pouch. Then,  the surgeon cuts the small intestine and sews a section of it to the pouch. Food then passes through this small pouch in the stomach and into the small intestine that is sewn to it. The majority of your stomach and the first section of your small intestine are bypassed, and food enters the middle section of your small intestine directly.

The surgical procedure usually last one to two hours. You awaken in a recovery room after surgery, where medical personnel keep an eye on you for any complications.

After The Procedure

You may drink liquids after surgery but not solid foods until your stomach and intestines have healed. Then, you’ll follow a special diet plan that gradually transitions you from liquids to pureed foods. After that, you can start eating soft foods and gradually progress to firmer foods as your body adapts.

You will have many restrictions on how much and what you can eat and drink. The doctor will prescribe you vitamin and mineral supplements containing iron, calcium, and a multivitamin containing vitamin B-12 after the surgery.

In the first three to six months after a gastric bypass, you may notice the following changes as your body adjusts to the rapid weight loss:

> Mood changes

> Body aches

> Feeling tired

> Feeling cold

> Dry skin

> Hair thinning and hair loss

Result

Long-term weight loss is possible with gastric bypass surgery. The amount of weight you lose is determined by the type of surgery you have and the changes you make in your lifestyle. Within two years, you may be able to lose up to 70% of your excess weight, even more.

In addition to weight loss, a gastric bypass can help to improve or overcome conditions associated with obesity, such as:

> High blood pressure

> High cholesterol

> Heart disease

> Obstructive sleep apnea

> Type 2 diabetes

> Stroke

Gastric bypass surgery will also help you improve your quality of life by improving your ability to perform daily activities.

We provide physiotherapy, postoperative follow-up, and care by our dietitian and specialist physiotherapists in our facilities at Esencan Hospital and 5-star Pullman Istanbul Hotel.