Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a weight loss surgery that involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine. After gastric bypass, the swallowed food passes into this small pouch formed from the stomach and from there directly into the small intestine. Thus, most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine are bypassed during digestion.
Gastric bypass is one of the most common weight loss surgeries. It is applied when diet and exercise do not benefit or when the patient has serious health problems due to his weight.
Why is Gastric Bypass Surgery Performed?
Gastric bypass is used to help you lose excess weight and reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems. These health problems are:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Cardiac Diseases
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Stroke
- Infertility
How is Gastric Bypass Surgery Performed?
It is a two-stage surgical procedure. The first goal is to remove at least 80 percent of the stomach. After the stomach is reduced, the point where the small intestine and stomach meet is operated. The entrance part of the small intestine, which is reduced in the second stage, is the point where the high absorption of nutrients with high caloric load such as sugar, fat and carbohydrates is carried out. With the removal of this region, our patients lose weight quickly and healthily.
By reducing the stomach size, the amount of food taken is greatly reduced as well. With the intervention in the small intestine, the effects of the weight-inducing components of the foods taken are reduced. Very successful weight loss processes are achieved with these two goal-oriented moves.
Who Is Suitable for Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass surgery is usually performed on people with a body mass index of 40 and above, and people with a body mass index between 35-39.9 and severe weight-related disorders such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea.
However, gastric bypass is not suitable for anyone who is severely overweight. In order to have a weight loss surgery, you must meet certain conditions. Before surgery, extensive testing may be performed to determine the patient’s suitability.
You must also be willing to make lasting changes in your life to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
What Happens After Gastric Bypass Surgery?
In the months following the surgery, there are stages that our patients should pay attention to in their diet and daily life. We always offer expert support to our patients in order to successfully pass these processes and reach the targeted weight.
