Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is one of the bariatric surgeries performed to reduce the size of the stomach. It is preferred to lose weight and eliminate problems caused by obesity. The operation can change the consuming and digesting processes of the patient by reducing the size of the stomach and decreasing the absorption in the small intestine which leads to creating a quicker and longer-lasting fullness sense. It does not require the removal of the stomach or the intestines.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Gastric Bypass?

Good candidates for gastric bypass must be in the 18 – 65 age range, bariatric surgeries are performed after analyzing the body mass index (BMI). The following are the good candidates for gastric bypass operation:

Those whose BMI is over 40
Those whose BMI is between 35-40 and have medical problems due to obesity such as hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea
Those who need revision operation after gastric sleeve operation
Those who need a revision operation after stomach stapling or gastric plication operations

Good candidates for the operation must be in overall good health, especially patients who have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, lung failure, and high cholesterol and are generally not suitable for surgery.

What Are The Advantages Of Gastric Bypass Operation?

The following are the advantages of the operation:

A more comfortable operation in terms of food intake compared to gastric sleeve operation
The operation can also eliminate acid-reflux problem
Patients who have type 2 diabetes can achieve a permanent solution with an operation
Weight re-gain risk after the operation is much lower compared to other bariatric surgeries

What Are The Disadvantages Of The Operation?

The following are the disadvantages of the operation:

The surgery method is more difficult than other bariatric surgeries
Ulcer risk is higher after the operations, especially for patients who smoke.
Dumping syndrome risk is higher

What Are The Types Of Gastric Bypass?

The following are the types of it:

Roux en Y Gastric Bypass: Roux en Y is the most common method because of the lower risks of dietary problems. A small pouch is created at the entrance of the stomach, in this way most of the food consumed bypasses the stomach, and a part of the small intestine for the stomach is connected to the small intestine with a stoma.
Loop Gastric Bypass: Also known as, mini gastric bypass, in this method stomach is connected directly to the intestines without dividing. After creating the stomach pouch, the stomach is connected to the intestine, which is a much easier method.

What Is The Procedure Like?

It is performed closed, which means laparoscopic, in general. Following is the must-know information about gastric bypass procedure:

Operation is performed under general anesthesia.
The surgery takes about 1-2 hours
Surgical staples are used to create a small gastric pouch by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach.
The gastric pouch deactivates the rest of the stomach.
The small intestine is shortened 50 – 75 cm and connected to the small intestine further down so that food bypasses most of the stomach and the small intestine.

What Is The Recovery Like?

Following is the recovery process:

Patients must be kept under supervision for 3 days after the operation.
Patients must follow a special diet which is planned by the dietitian before discharging from the hospital for a month after the operation.
Patients’ physical activities must be limited; avoid driving for the first 2 weeks and lifting heavy objects for the first 6 weeks after the operation
Patients can return to their jobs after 3 days, however, if working requires heavy physical activities or lifting, patients must wait 6 weeks.
Patients are monitored and checked by specialists regularly after the operation

How Much Weight Can I Lose After The Operation?

Weight loss after a gastric bypass operation differs from patient to patient, following are the parameters that affect the amount of weight loss after a gastric bypass operation:

Weight before the operation
Patients height
Dietary habits and exercise program

Following are the statistical numbers of weight loss after the surgery:

%10 in the first 6 weeks
%15 in 3 months
%20 in 6 months
%35 in 12 months

How Is The Diet After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Diet after gastric bypass surgery is planned by the dietitian individually and specifically for each patient after the operation, however following are the important things to pay attention to after the surgery:

Patients must have 3 main meals and must not skip any.
It is important to have a diet based on protein and vegetables – fruits. Carbohydrate intake must be reduced and limited
Patients must follow the liquid diet for the first 2 weeks after the operation, next 2 weeks patients must consume soft foods
Drinking 1.5 – 2 liters of water is important to prevent dehydration.
Patients must avoid consuming simple sugar-containing foods
It is important to avoid consuming solid food with any drink, which leads to eating
Patients must finish the meal in at least 30 minutes, the ideal duration for 2 meals is around 45 minutes
If patients have vomiting problems after meals, must discuss them with their doctors without delay

What Are The Risks Of The Surgery?

The following are the risks of gastric bypass surgery:

Bleeding, infection, and hernia complications may be experienced, as in many abdominal surgeries
General anesthesia complications are possible
The most serious risk after gastric bypass is leakage and it may require a revision operation

Complications after gastric bypass surgery are experienced by %10 of the patients, and serious complications of gastric bypass surgery are very rare.

Discover the power of transformation with Gastric Bypass surgery at Forbest Clinic, Istanbul. Our dedicated team of experts performs this proven surgical intervention to create a healthier you, aiding in weight loss and improvement of obesity-related conditions.

Are you ready to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Schedule a consultation with our Gastric Bypass specialists today at Forbest Clinic. Here begins your journey to wellness and renewed self-confidence.