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What actually happens with this gastric bypass surgery?
Simply put, this is a two-step surgery. It combines two methods of weight loss. Let's take a look at what those two steps are.Step 1: Creating a small pouch in the stomach
In this, the surgeon divides your stomach into two parts. One large part, and the other very small part. Then, the small part is sewn or stapled together to form a small pouch. The amount of food that can be put into this small pouch is very small, about the size of a cup to be exact. So because you have such a small stomach, you feel full even after eating a little . So the amount you eat automatically decreases. We call this method a 'restrictive' method. That is, it limits the amount of food you can eat.Step Two: Bypass
Now, there's that little pouch that's been created, and the doctor separates it from the large part of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Then, that little pouch is connected directly to a part of the small intestine (jejunum). This surgical procedure is called a "Roux-en-Y." When connected in this way, the food you eat goes directly from that little pouch to the lower part of the small intestine. That is, it bypasses the first part of the small intestine. Because of this, the body absorbs much less of the calories and nutrients in the food you eat. This procedure is called a 'malabsorptive' procedure. Usually, both of these steps are done in the same surgery, and the entire procedure is called a "Roux-en-Y gastric bypass." Most often, surgeons perform this surgery laparoscopically. That is, surgery is performed by inserting a camera and instruments through several small holes, rather than making a large incision in the abdomen. However, in some cases, if this is not possible, surgery may need to be performed through a large incision in the abdomen (laparotomy).What can you expect after surgery?
Since this is a major surgery, it is important to be aware of certain things. You will need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days after the surgery. It may take about 2 to 3 weeks before you can resume normal activities. As with all surgeries, there are risks and complications.The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about all of this before having this surgery and ask all of your questions.Let's look at these possible complications in the table below.
| Type of complication | Description and risk |
|---|---|
| Common complications | These can occur in about 10 out of 100 people (10%) who have surgery. Examples: wound infection, digestive problems, ulcers, bleeding. |
| Complications that can be serious or life-threatening | These are very rare (1% - 5%) events. Examples: Pulmonary embolism, heart attack, leaks from surgically connected sites, serious infections or bleeding. |
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Weight loss after surgery is often very successful. On average, patients lose about 60% of their excess weight . For example, imagine that a person's ideal weight is 70 kg, but he currently weighs 150 kg. He has 80 kg of excess weight. After this surgery, about 60% of that excess weight, that is, about 48 kg, can be lost. Along with the weight loss, many health problems caused by obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea, can be completely cured or largely controlled .But remember this very well. This surgery is not magic. If you want to lose weight and keep it off,You need to make permanent lifestyle changes. Eating several small meals a day and exercising regularly are key.
What other types of weight loss surgeries are available?
If you're considering weight loss surgery, there are several other options besides gastric bypass. Let's take a look at that as well.| Type of surgery | How to do it and important points |
|---|---|
| Sleeve Gastrectomy | This is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery in the world. In this, about half of the stomach is removed, and the remaining part is shaped into a long tube (sleeve) like an arm. This is also a 'restrictive' procedure. |
| Vertical Banded Gastroplasty | This is a combination of gastric stapling and banding. However, it is not performed as often anymore due to the high complications and low weight loss. |
| Biliopancreatic Diversion | This is similar to gastric bypass. However, here the stomach pouch is connected to the lower part of the small intestine (ileum). Therefore, the number of calories absorbed by the body is even lower. However, this is a difficult surgery to perform and the risk of nutritional deficiencies is very high. |
💡 Take-Home Message
- Gastric bypass is a major weight loss surgery that consists of two main steps ( stomach reduction and bypass).
- This can significantly reduce weight and control diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure .
- As with all surgeries, there are some risks and complications .
- The success of the surgery depends entirely on you permanently changing your lifestyle (diet and exercise) after the surgery.
- This is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is essential to discuss this with your doctor to determine whether this surgery is right for you.
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