Why get gastric bypass surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, having a gastric bypass is a major decision, but there can be great benefits from it. It's a proven method of weight loss, and is ideal when you have a lot of weight to lose and have already tried many conventional methods without long-term success.
What are the advantages of gastric bypass surgery?
For anyone suffering with serious obesity, the advantages of gastric bypass surgery often tend to outweigh the risks. The benefits can include:
− Improvements in heart disease and cancer risk factors
− Lower cholesterol levels
− Improvements in a range of health conditions including sleep apnoea, asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux, fatigue, and shortness of breath
− Reduced feelings of depression, improved self-esteem, and confidence, as well as an increased sense of wellbeing
The third 2020 National Bariatric Surgery Registry Report also found how the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reduced the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in patients from 34% to 14% in only one year. The prevalence of hypertension also fell from 38% to 22% in the year after Roux-en-Y surgery.
Gastric bypass vs sleeve vs band: Which should I get?
Here at The Hospital Group, our specialist team will help you find the weight loss solution that's right for you. We offer several different procedures, including gastric bypass, gastric band and gastric sleeve surgery.
As part of your initial consultations, your surgeon assistant and surgeon will guide you through the key differences between a gastric bypass and other options. That way, we can help you find the best solution that's in line with your weight loss goals.
Gastric bypass surgery: What is it and what happens during it?
Gastric bypass surgery is a proven method of weight loss which could be perfect if you've tried other conventional methods without seeing long-term success. We can offer a complete service, including skilled surgeons, specialist dietitians, nurses, and weight loss support team members. We see this as the best way to help you get the best possible results from your weight loss journey.
The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic, generally using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. This means your surgeon will make several small cuts into your stomach and use a set of small medical instruments that are guided by a telescope equipped with a camera.
A stapling device is used to make the pouch at the top of your stomach. The next step is to cut the small intestine and connect to the stomach pouch. The amount of small intestine 'bypassed' will be determined by the weight you want to achieve, and the nutrients required to maintain it.
The small cuts will then be closed by your surgeon with stitches or metal clips.
How long does gastric bypass surgery take?
This depends on the patient, the surgeon, and the type of gastric bypass operation. For Roux-en-Y procedures, it normally between 90 minutes and two hours if carried out by keyhole surgery. A mini-loop gastric bypass can be a quicker procedure.
If you’re having a gastric band removed at the same time, the operation will usually take longer. But you can discuss this with your surgeon.
What happens after the gastric bypass procedure?
After gastric bypass surgery, you'll only be able to manage smaller portions of food and as a result your body will absorb fewer calories. There will also be changes in your gut hormones that will lead to reduced feelings of hunger, so you should feel satisfied for longer on smaller portions.
As with any weight loss, a healthy diet and regular exercise are needed to ensure you achieve the best results. And this means you'll have to make a few lifestyle changes.
How long will I be in hospital?
Again, this depends on the patient and the surgeon. Usually, you'll stay in one of our specialist hospitals for 2-3 nights after your surgery, but in some cases you can return home after one night.
How long is the gastric bypass recovery time?
The gastric bypass recovery time varies from person to person. Your surgeon and bariatric team will tell you what this will be for you as part of your personalised care plan. After you leave hospital, we advise you don’t do anything too strenuous for at least six weeks after your surgery.
Are there any gastric bypass side effects?
As with any surgery, there can be complications during and after surgery. These include:
− Bleeding
− Complications due to anaesthesia and medications
− Infections
− Blood clots on the lung
− Deep vein thrombosis
− Wound breakdown or leaks from the staple line
− Spleen injuries
− Marginal ulcers
Such complications are rare, however. Our expert surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in performing bariatric procedures, with a proven record of safe, successful surgery. We'll be sure to make you aware of all the possible short and long-term risks of gastric bypass surgery too. That way, you're fully informed before you decide to have the procedure.
What does my BMI need to be for gastric bypass surgery?
A gastric bypass could be suitable if you have a BMI of 40 or more – or a BMI of 35 or more if you have an obesity-related condition such as Type 2 diabetes. New guidelines state that surgery should be offered as a first-line treatment if you were recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and your BMI is over 30. These are just guidelines, however, and every patient is different.
Will gastric bypass surgery help if I have diabetes?
The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that being overweight/obese is major risk factor for diabetes. The unique changes in gut hormones that follow a gastric bypass are also thought to improve diabetic control, independently of weight loss.
While we can't guarantee that your personal management of diabetes will change, many of our patients have reduced their diabetic medications and improve their condition overall.
Can gastric bypass surgery be reversed?
No – this type of surgery is permanent. If you're looking for something less permanent, gastric band surgery could be an alternative.
Can I have gastric bypass surgery twice?
It's possible to revise your gastric bypass. But this does have increased risks of complication. For this reason, a second gastric bypass generally won't be offered if you've regained weight and didn't make the changes needed to your diet and lifestyle.
What can I eat after gastric bypass surgery?
It's really important you follow the advice of your dietitian and surgeon in relation to your diet after a gastric bypass. You’ll need to follow a nutritious and healthy diet, making sure you consume the right amounts of protein and vitamins.
Our team will go through this in detail with you, so you know exactly what you can eat after a gastric bypass. As you can't absorb as many minerals and vitamins after gastric bypass surgery, you must take supplements for the rest of your life.
You'll also need regular blood tests to check for any nutritional deficiencies
After 2-3 months, most patients are usually back on a varied diet of solid food. Some patients may struggle with certain textures of food, however, such as bread or red meat.
In addition, a phenomenon known as Dumping Syndrome can occur if too much sugar is consumed. This results in symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, palpitations, and bloating. Patients often say these symptoms can help stop them from eating too much sugar and enhance weight loss.
What can I drink after gastric bypass surgery?
A gastric bypass won't affect what you can drink, or how much. But it's vital to remember the dietary advice that our team will give you to help achieve your goals. Drinks high in sugar (e.g., colas) or calories (e.g., alcohol) can reduce the weight loss impact of a gastric bypass.
Is there a gastric bypass post-surgery diet to follow?
Our expert team of dietitians will talk to you in detail about what foods you can eat after gastric bypass surgery, and help you make sure you’re getting all the nutrition you need. Generally, you’ll have to follow a more nutritious diet after a gastric bypass, since your portions will be smaller and fewer nutrients will be absorbed. It’s important you are managing a good protein intake, so our dietitians will advise you on this. Also, because you won’t be able to absorb as many minerals and vitamins after your gastric bypass, you’ll have to take supplements for life and will need regular blood tests to check for any nutritional deficiencies. Here at The Hospital Group, we offer a wide range of weight loss supplements to help you with your gastric bypass diet.
