Gastric Bypass

Who is it for?

Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more

Individuals with a BMI of 35 or more and serious co-morbidities, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea

People who have attempted weight loss through diet and exercise with insufficient results

Recovery Period

Hospital stay typically lasts 2 to 3 days

Most people can return to work within 2 to 4 weeks

Full recovery and transition to a stabilized diet can take 2 to 3 months

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption

Surgical complications such as leaks or infections

Dumping syndrome, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness

Potential need for revision or reversal surgery

Alternative Treatments

Gastric Sleeve surgery

Adjustable Gastric Band

Diet and exercise plans with medical supervision

Medication for weight loss

Success Rate

Approximately 60 to 80% of excess weight loss can be expected within the first two years post-surgery, with significant improvement in obesity-related conditions.

Procedure step-by-step overivew

Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

A small incision is made, or several small incisions if the procedure is done laparoscopically.

The surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach using surgical staples or a plastic band.

The small intestine is cut and attached to the new stomach pouch, bypassing the majority of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine.

The cut part of the small intestine is reconnected further down so that the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach and first portion of the small intestine can eventually mix with the food.

The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical staples.