Gastric Bypass

With this procedure a small stomach pouch is created.  Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), & the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This bypass reduces the absorption of nutrients & so reduces the calorie intake leading to weight loss.

What are the advantages of gastric bypass surgery?

The major advantage of gastric bypass surgery is the dramatic weight loss it can produce.  This weight loss can quickly improve or resolve other health issues associated with carrying serious levels of excess weight.  These serious health issues may include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Improving associated illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol may significantly decrease your risk of having a stroke or a heart attack.  Of course losing excess weight can also improve your quality of life & your ability to perform everyday tasks.  Within the first two years of surgery, you can expect to lose 50 to 60 percent of your excess weight³.

Gastric bypass is not a miracle however.  Losing weight can certainly improve your health however this major surgery will only work if you are committed to the process of changing your lifestyle for good.  It is up to you to make the lifelong changes to your eating and exercise habits necessary for optimum health outcomes.

Are there any risks associated with gastric bypass surgery?

All major surgery carries risk.  Risk associated with gastric bypass surgery includes bleeding, infection and reactions to the anaesthesia as well as the following complications³:

• Vitamin and mineral deficiency
• Dehydration
• Gallstones
• Bleeding stomach ulcer
• Hernia at the incision site
• Intolerance to certain foods
• Kidney stones
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

The Mayo Clinic³ reports that the following serious risks may be associated with gastric bypass surgery in particular.  While these risks are rare they can be life-threatening.

• Dumping syndrome. This is a condition where stomach contents move too quickly through the small intestine causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and sweating.
• Blood clots in the legs
• Leaking at one of the staple lines in the stomach
• Pneumonia
• Narrowing of the opening between the stomach and small intestine

During the first three to six months following surgery your body will be undergoing many changes and you may experience the following side-effects:³

• Body aches
• Feeling tired, as if you have the flu
• Feeling cold
• Dry skin
• Hair thinning and hair loss
• Mood changes

Find out about more information on the obesity services provided:

• Obesity procedures
• LAP-BAND^® Procedure
• ORBERA^® Intragastric Balloon
• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Duodenal Switch
• Am I a candidate?

References

1. Brethauer SA, Hammel JP, Schauer PR. Systematic review of sleeve gastrectomy as staging and primary bariatric procedure. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2009;5(4):469-475.
2. Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/MY00825/DSECTION=risks, last accessed 1/2/2011.