Gastric Bypass

What is gastric bypass surgery?

This procedure, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, makes your stomach a fraction of its original size. It is one of the most common forms of gastric bypass surgery. Roux-en-Y is a preferred option for many people because of the procedure’s long-term success rate.

Gastric bypass helps you lose weight by:

• Making the stomach smaller
• Helping you feel full after eating a small meal
• Enabling food to bypass part of the digestive system
• Limiting your body’s ability to absorb calories
  
  

Who is a candidate for gastric bypass surgery?

Determining whether gastric bypass surgery, or weight loss surgery in general, is right for you takes time. We use a personalized approach that includes getting to know you as an individual and understanding your health goals.

The bariatrics team, which includes medical and surgical weight loss specialists, helps you establish healthy living habits. These habits enable you to get more out of surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery may be right for you if you have:

• Diabetes: Gastric bypass causes hormone changes that can reverse the effects of diabetes in some people.
• Reflux: Gastric bypass diverts stomach acid from the esophagus, so you are less likely to experience reflux.
• Not had success with other weight loss procedures: If you have tried options like gastric banding and are not achieving your goals, gastric bypass may help. Find out more about bariatric revision surgery.
  
  

What to expect with gastric bypass surgery

Nuvance Health bariatric surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. These techniques, which include laparoscopic and robotic surgery, enable weight-loss surgeons to carry out procedures using tiny incisions. You can expect a quicker recovery, so you can get back to your busy life.

Here’s how gastric bypass surgery works:

1. You receive medication (anesthesia) that puts you to sleep and blocks sensation during the procedure.
2. Surgeons create a small pouch by sealing off the upper portion of the stomach.
3. We then connect the pouch to your small intestine so that food bypasses three of the four areas of your stomach.
4. Bypassing part of the digestive system results in the absorption of fewer calories.
5. You can expect to stay in the hospital a few days after surgery. 

 

Our bariatric team explains what will happen before, during and after your procedure, so you feel prepared for surgery. Find out more about weight loss surgery and what to expect.

 

What happens after I’ve had gastric bypass surgery?

We perform gastric bypass surgery in a hospital under general anesthesia. Here’s what you can expect:

• After waking up from surgery, we closely monitor you until the anesthesia wears off. You receive appropriate medications so you stay comfortable. When it is safe to get out of bed, we help you start walking.
• Most patients stay in the hospital one night. You may need to stay longer if you have other medical issues that could complicate your recovery.
• A member of the bariatrics care team calls you shortly after you get home. We ask how recovery is going and review at-home care instructions. We also make sure you are taking steps to avoid complications, like regularly sipping clear liquids.
• You continue meeting with weight loss specialists through regular office visits. Meeting with the surgeon, dietitian, mental health professional and other team members can help you make steady progress toward your goals. We also do bloodwork to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need.
• We are happy to help if you need support between appointments. Whether it’s questions about what to eat or a little extra encouragement, we are here for you.