Gastric Bypass Description & Benefits

Gastric bypass is commonly known by several names, including bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Gastric bypass surgery is a drastic procedure meant for patients struggling with obesity of the most serious nature. Candidates for gastric bypass usually have a lifelong history of struggle with weight loss and cannot lose weight by traditional means of diet and exercise. Those considering gastric bypass typically have a body mass index (BMI) over 40, usually a minimum of 80 lbs. overweight for women and 100 lbs. for men. Others who may be considered include patients with Type II diabetes or severe cardiopulmonary complications related to obesity. Gastric bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. You will feel full more quickly than when your stomach was its original size, which reduces the amount of food you eat and thus the calories consumed. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in fewer calories being absorbed which leads to weight loss.

Gastric Bypass Procedure Steps

The gastric bypass surgery usually takes about two hours. There are two types of restrictive surgery that alter the digestive process by closing parts of the stomach and making it much smaller. In adjustable gastric banding (AGB), a hollow band is placed around the upper end of the stomach, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The hollow band filled with saline and then can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of saline. The second method, Vertical banded gastroplasty (VGB) uses both a band and staples to create a small stomach pouch. This method is much more common than AGB.

Gastric Bypass Recovery

After gastric bypass surgery it generally takes about 2 to 3 weeks to recover. Most people who have gastric bypass surgery quickly begin to lose weight and continue to lose weight for up to 12 months. All patients who undergo gastric bypass of any kind must closely monitor their nutrition and diet closely. Nutritional supplements are absolutely essential for good health following the surgery.

Shop for Gastric Bypass Recovery Products

You can find a way variety of products designed to help you have the best preparation and recovery from your procedure at the:

Gastric Bypass Store

Gastric Bypass Side Effects & Risks

Possible side effects for this procedure include an infection in the incision, a leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected, deterioration of the band or staple line, band slippage and a blood clot in the lung.

Gastric Bypass Costs

The average cost of a procedure is anywhere from $11,000-14,700, depending on the physician and areas treated.

Related Gastric Bypass Articles

Check out related Gastric Bypass Articles