The procedure
This keyhole procedure is one of the original and most effective weight loss surgeries designed to help those suffering from morbid obesity. Its name is a French term meaning “in the form of a Y”.
First, the stomach is divided into a smaller top portion (pouch) which initially holds around 30mls. The larger part of the stomach is bypassed and no longer stores or digests food.
The small intestine is also divided and joined to the new stomach pouch to allow food to pass. The small bowel segment which empties the bypassed stomach is connected into the small bowel approximately 1.5m downstream, resulting in a bowel connection resembling the shape of the letter Y.
This means that digestive fluids and food meet further downstream, and the end result is a shorter “common channel” for digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Quick info
- Operating time of approx. 60 to 90 mins
- Average hospital stay of 1 to 4 days
- Average time off work from 2 to 4 weeks
- Procedure is technically reversible
- Weight loss surgery financing plans available
How it works
The gastric bypass works in several ways. Like many bariatric procedures, the newly created stomach pouch is smaller and able to hold less food. This means fewer calories are ingested. Additionally, the food does not come into contact with the first portion of the small bowel and this results in decreased absorption. Most importantly, the modification of the food course through the gastrointestinal tract has a profound effect to decrease hunger, increase fullness, and allow the body to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
The impact on hormones and metabolic health often results in improvement of adult-onset diabetes even before any weight loss occurs. The operation also helps patients with reflux (heart burn) and often the symptoms quickly improve.
Along with making appropriate food choices, patients must avoid tobacco products and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Advantages
- Well studied as it has been performed for a long time
- Effective for remission of obesity-associated conditions – especially Type II Diabetes
- Reliable and long-lasting weight loss
- Decreased risk of reflux
Disadvantages
- More complex operatively than the sleeve or single loop bypass
- Ongoing need for vitamin supplementation
- Risk of internal herniation and bowel obstruction due to altered small bowel anatomy
- Risk of ulceration- especially if continued NSAID or tobacco use
- May cause “dumping syndrome”, a feeling of sickness after eating or drinking, especially sweets
BMI CALCULATOR
BMI can be a useful starting measure to identify your weight classification and risk of comorbidities.
BMI is not relevant if you are under 18 years or pregnant.
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