What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery is a surgery involving the stomach and small intestine. A surgeon specializing in this type of surgery divides the stomach into two sections. There is an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is much smaller than the lower section. The upper section will serve as the "new" stomach. When the surgeon is done separating the sections of the stomach, he then connects the lower intestine to the upper section.

How is Gastric Bypass Surgery done

There are two ways that a gastric bypass surgery can be done. The first way is for a surgeon to cut an 8-10 inch incision in the patients abdomen. He then goes in and takes surgical staples and divides the stomach into two sections. After this is completed, he cuts the small intestine and connects it to the upper section.

The second way that a gastric bypass surgery can be done is by laproscopic surgery. This type of surgery is done by making several small incisions in the abdomen. After this is done, gas is pumped into the patients stomach to cause it to inflate. This makes it much easier for the surgeon to see inside. Next, the surgeon goes into the incisions with a laproscope and some surgical tools. A laproscope is a tool that has a light and camera on it and allows the surgeon to see what he is doing on the inside of the patients body. The surgeon continues with the surgery as stated above. The stomach is divided into two sections and then the small intestine is connected to the upper section.

Estimated hospital stay is 2-5 days. With the laproscopic surgery it may be less.

What is the purpose of Gastric Bypass Surgery

The purpose of the surgery is to help patients that are morbidly obese to lose weight. Morbid obesity can be defined as being 100 or more pounds overweight. Patients with a body mass index of 40 or higher are also considered morbidly obese.

What are some of the possible complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery

1. As with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications with anesthesia. The risks become greater the heavier a patient becomes.
2. Some patients develop gallstones after gastric Bypass Surgery surgery.
3. Some patients develop a bleeding ulcer where the small intestine attaches to the stomach.
4. Some patients develop malnutrition because they are unable to hold down food.
5. Some patients experience cramping and diarrhea after eating sweets or too many fats.
6. Scar tissue can also develop between the stomach and the small intestine. This can cause vomiting.
7. Scar tissue can develop inside of the intestines. If this happens there can become a bowel obstruction.
8. Sometimes the surgical staples start to break-down. When this happens stomach fluids can leak into the patients abdomen.
9. Death

What are the possible positive outcomes of Gastric Bypass Surgery

1. With proper nutrition a patient can lose a great amount of weight.
2. Many times health related issues will get better. Some of these issues are high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
3. Many times the patients self-esteem will increase and depression will decrease.
4. Patients report that they feel less tired and it is easier for them to be mobile.