Gastric Bypass Surgery
The most common form of gastric bypass surgery is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery uses a combination of restriction and malabsorption. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. Having the smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patient’s body absorbs fewer calories.
How does weight loss occur after Gastric Bypass surgery?
Gastric Restriction: Your stomach is now only 1 to 2 ounces in size, which will significantly limit your portion size.
Malabsorption: A portion of your intestines is bypassed so less absorption of food occurs. This limits the amount of calories absorbed from the food that you consume. We will closely monitor your nutritional needs so that your weight loss occurs safely.
Feeling of Satiety: Feeling of fullness occurs with a much smaller amount of food. It is important to listen to your body so that over time you do not stretch out your pouch.
Dumping Syndrome: This syndrome occurs in approximately 80% of patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery. It happens when food passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestines. This leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, sweating, fullness, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and a fast heart rate. The common cause is foods high in simple sugar (such as: candy, chocolate, cookies, soda, ice cream, syrups etc.) It is important to avoid these foods after surgery to prevent dumping syndrome. In addition, these types of foods are high in calories and low in nutrients, which will hinder your weight loss efforts. Food intolerance may also be caused by high fat content or lactose intolerance. It is important to keep a food record to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
The amount of weight lost after gastric bypass surgery is individualized. It depends on your body and on how well you follow the post surgery diet and exercise program. However, research has shown that patients usually lose 60-80% of their excess body weight within 18 months after surgery. At five years, this weight loss has shown to be well maintained at 50-70% of excess body weight. For example, if you weigh 300lbs and your ideal body weight is 150lbs. You can expect to lose approximately 75 to 120 lbs.