Gastric Bypass
With gastric bypass surgery, the doctor creates a smaller stomach pouch. The doctor then attaches a section of your small intestine directly to the smaller pouch. This allows food to bypass, or go around a large portion of the small intestine where calories usually are absorbed.
Having a smaller stomach pouch makes you feel full sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means your body will absorb fewer calories.
Gastric bypass patients typically lose 61.6 percent of their excess weight.
Health Benefits
Studies found that gastric bypass:
- Resolved type 2 diabetes in 83.8 percent of patients and often resolved the disease within days of surgery
- Resolved high blood pressure in 75.4 percent of patients
- Improved high cholesterol in 95 percent of patients
Quality of Life
One study showed that for bariatric surgery patients who experienced significant weight loss:
- Overall quality of life improved greatly
- They experienced improved physical functioning and appearance
- They experienced improved social and economic opportunities
Recovery
Recovery times always vary by the individual. Gastric bypass patients often can leave the hospital after two days, and return to work in as little as one to two weeks.
Potential Concerns
- A condition known as dumping syndrome can occur from eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. While it isn’t considered a health risk, it can be unpleasant and may include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea
- Patients must supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin and calcium. Some patients must take vitamin B12 and/or iron
- The stomach, duodenum, and parts of the small intestine cannot be seen easily using X-ray or endoscopy if there are problems after surgery such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy
Megan's Story
Lost 260 Pounds
