Gastric Bypass - Roux-n-Y Method
Gastric Bypass reduces the stomach's capacity of holding food and bypassing part of the small intesting, leading to weight loss by limiting the amount of food you are capable of digesting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
The following information is for informational purposes only. Your surgeon will talk to you about details regarding your specific procedure.
Who is a candidate for a Gastric Bypass?
You should keep in mind that Gastric Bypass is major surgery. It is for people who are more than 100lbs overweight or those who have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40. It is not for someone who wants to lose those extra unwanted pounds. Patients who have other obesity related problems such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease or sleep apnea may also be considered candidates for the procedure.
How much weight can I expect to lose after surgery and how long does it take to achieve the desired weight loss?
On average, the heavier the patient, the more weight they are likely to lose. Most patients can expect to lose two-thirds of their excess weight. Most of that weight loss will occur within the first 18 months. That weight loss is almost always followed by slight weight gain, as your body tries to stabilize itself and is followed by another period of weight loss.
What are the risks of undergoing Gastric Bypass?
As with any surgery, there can be complications that can arise. One of the most serious is leakage where the stomach pouch meets the small intestine. With no treatment, approximately one in four patients will develop gallstones following surgery. That is why a bile thining medication is usually prescribed after surgery. Some other complications include abdominal hernia, wound infection and bowel obstruction. There is also the possibility of lung-related conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, and additional stress on the cardiac system. Patients are usually monitored very closely during the post-surgical hospital stay for these reasons.
How long is the procedure and recovery period for Gastric Bypass surgery?
The procedure itself typically takes between 90 minutes and two hours. Patients can expect to be out of bed by evening of the same day as the surgery, with a total hospitalization stay of about 3-4 days. The surgical recovery period averages between 3-5 weeks.
Will I have to avoid any foods after surgery?
Unlike gastric bypass, patients that undergo the Roux-n-Y procedure seem to have a better quality of life in that side effects like vomiting and nausea are not very common. also, the tolerance for solid foods is better. However, meals with high carbohydrate content like breads, pastas, cookies and cakes may cause uncomfortable symptoms.