
	Upper GI Surgery

	Abdominal Surgery

	Breast Surgery

	Endocrine Surgery

	Colorectal Surgery


	Endoscopy

	Advanced Laparoscopy

Paul B. Harrison, M.D., F.A.C.S.,

William Waswick, M.D., F.A.C.S.,

Scott W. Porter, M.D., F.A.C.S.,

Diane L. S. Hunt, M.D., F.A.C.S.,

Christina Nicholas, M.D.

Home » Frequently Asked Questions » Gastric Bypass Surgery Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric Bypass surgery is a restrictive/malabsorptive surgical procedure. It is restrictive in the sense that it "restricts" how much food the stomach can hold and is "malabsorptive" in that it affects how food and calories are absorbed into the bloodstream. This combination surgery has the highest success rate for amount of weight lost.

How is the surgery performed?

The surgeon makes the stomach smaller by creating a small stomach pouch by stapling along the upper part of the stomach. A new opening from this pouch is created as well. The small intestine is then cut into two sections. The lower section of intestine is attached to the opening in the stomach pouch creating what is referred to as the "roux limb". The upper section of the small intestine which carries digestive juices from the remaining portion of the stomach is attached at the distal end of the roux limb. The roux limb enables food to bypass the lower stomach, duodenum, and a portion of the small intestine.

How much weight will I lose?

Studies have shown that gastric bypass patients can lose up to 90 percent of their excess body weight. 75% of patients will lose 45-60% of their excess body weight after surgery.

What can I expect after the surgery when I eat?

You will only be able to eat a few ounces of food at a time. You will not be able to drink and eat at the same time as your new stomach will not be able to hold both. You will also have to concentrate on eating slower and chewing your food thoroughly. You wil also have to avoid certain sugary foods as these can lead to "dumping syndrome".

What is Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping syndrome happens when the food you eat passes too quickly through your new GI tract causing diarrhea, shakes, sweats, and other unpleasant symptoms. Dumping syndrome can be avoided by not eating sugary foods such as candy, juices, sodas, and other foods high in simple sugars.

What are the advantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Advantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery includes:

Quick and dramatic weight loss
Continued weight loss for 18-24 months post surgery
Many patients maintain a weight loss of 50% of excess weight 10 years post-op
Improved health problems associated with severe obesity such as Diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis , asthma and sleep apnea.
Many patients are able to stop taking medications for diabetes and hypertension as a result of the weight loss.
Improved mobility and quality of life and self esteem.

What are the disadvantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Disadvantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery include:

Major surgery with serious risks
Malnourishment and anemia may occur requiring lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Requires permanent lifelong changes to patient's diet and lifestyle
Increased risk of gallstones due to rapid weight loss
Dumping syndrome: nausea, reflux, diarrhea can occur after ingesting high sugar foods