Gastric bypass is one of the most common types of bariatric surgeries. More specifically, gastric bypass surgery limits the size of the stomach so that food intake is reduced and the feeling of being full is reached quickly. The gastric bypass procedure is only recommended when all other programs of dieting, exercise, and medicine have failed.
At the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence of La Peer Health Systems, we have experienced bariatric surgeons who are knowledgeable and can provide you with information on all of your weight loss options. If you want to schedule a consultation, contact the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence at (888) 391-0182.
During Gastric Bypass
During gastric bypass surgery, a qualified and experienced bariatric surgeon will do two things:
- Create a smaller stomach pouch, reducing the amount of food it can hold
- Redirect the intestinal tract, bypassing part of the intestine and limiting the absorption of calories.
This two-pronged approach has several benefits. Its restrictive and malabsorptive qualities limit the amount of food that you can consume, leading you to feel fuller on less amounts of food, and also the amount of calories you absorb from your food. You’ll experience decreased hunger, so you won’t be tempted to consume as many calories.
Gastric bypass can be performed laparoscopically so that patients are able to recover from their surgery quicker, with less bleeding, scarring, and post-operative complications.
Advantages of the Gastric Bypass
This procedure has shown success in providing significant weight loss and improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions, as seen in using gastric bypass for diabetes treatment. The benefits are:
- Rapid and significant weight loss for 6 months to a year
- Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and GERD.
- Improvement in quality of life by increasing mobility and ability to engage in everyday activities.
Gastric Bypass Recovery Time
On average, gastric bypass recovery involves a 3-day hospital stay for patients. Gastric bypass patients are typically able to return to work within 3 weeks of the procedure. Because the gastric bypass procedure shortens the digestive process and reduces the body’s ability to extract calories and nutrients from food, vigilance about nutrition and vitamin supplements will become a lifelong necessity following the gastric bypass weight loss surgery.
Weight-Loss Results
It is estimated that 50 to 90 percent of gastric bypass patients are able to keep off the weight. Just like most other weight loss surgeries, patients must be committed to making lifestyle and eating habit changes in order to maintain the weight loss.
Are You a Good Candidate for Gastric Bypass?
To determine if you are a good candidate for gastric bypass, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you at least 75 pounds overweight?
- Do you have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35?
- Have you been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise?
- Are you seeking a permanent weight loss solution?
If you answered yes to the above questions, you may be a good candidate for gastric bypass. Surgical candidates need to understand the commitment required to uphold the post-surgical lifestyle that makes it possible to experience rapid, significant weight loss. It takes mental and physical preparation for a permanent procedure. If you are ready to make the lifestyle commitment, gastric bypass may be right for you!
Contact a Bariatric Surgeon in Los Angeles
A member of our Bariatric Surgery staff would be happy to assist you in scheduling a consultation with one of the highly qualified Beverly Hills surgeons at the Bariatric Center of Excellence to discuss all of your weight loss options. Call us today at (888) 391-0182.
Next, read about the Duodenal Switch.