Gastric Bypass
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Gastric Bypass offered in Phoenix, Mesa, & Tempe, AZ.
Gastric bypass surgery is a surgical weight loss option that restricts food intake and alters the route of the GI tract. The gastric bypass procedure the gold-standard and most researched bariatric procedure.
Benefits of the Gastric Bypass when compared to other weight loss surgeries:
Gastric bypass patients usually lose 75-80% of their excess body weight within two years of the procedure.
Gastric bypass is highly effective in promoting significant and sustained weight loss. Patients can expect to lose most of their excess weight within the first 12 to 18 months after surgery.
Many individuals with obesity also suffer from various health conditions such as gastric reflux, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. Gastric bypass surgery has been shown to improve or even resolve these conditions and may reduce the need for medications.
Weight loss can have a positive impact on multiple aspects of life. Patients often report improved mobility, increased energy levels, and a better ability to engage in physical activities and enjoy hobbies. Weight loss can also boost self-esteem, body image, and psychological well-being.
Gastric bypass surgery has demonstrated long-term success in maintaining weight loss. It encourages healthier eating habits, such as smaller portion sizes and healthier food choices. The procedure also alters the digestive process, reducing hunger and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can support long-term weight management.
Gastric bypass surgery can have metabolic benefits beyond weight loss. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control, leading to better management of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it may positively impact cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Studies prove that gastric bypass surgery may increase life expectancy for individuals with severe obesity. By addressing obesity-related health conditions and promoting weight loss, the procedure can potentially reduce the risk of premature death associated with obesity.
Gastric Bypass Procedure
The gastric bypass begins with the separation of a large portion of the stomach in order to create a smaller gastric pouch that limits eating. The new small pouch is connected to the middle of the small intestine to bypass a portion of it during digestion. Gastric bypass patients eat less, feel full, and only partially absorb the calories they consume.
Video: Bariatric Roux en Y Educational Animation
Am I A Good Candidate?
Body Mass Index
To qualify for gastric bypass, individuals must have a BMI of at least 40, or have over 100 pounds of excess weight. Someone may also qualify with a BMI of 35-40 and also suffer from obesity-related health conditions.
Candidates should have made previous attempts to lose weight through non-surgical methods, such as diet and exercise, but have been unsuccessful in achieving significant and sustainable weight loss.
Gastric Bypass vs Gastric Sleeve.
Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery are both common bariatric procedures aimed at helping individuals achieve significant weight loss. There are key differences between the two procedures:
Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
Gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and rerouting a portion of the small intestine to connect to the new pouch. This bypasses a section of the small intestine, altering the route of digestion.
Gastric bypass promotes weight loss through two mechanisms: restriction and malabsorption. The smaller stomach restricts the amount of food that can be eaten, while the rerouting of the small intestine reduces the absorption of nutrients and calories. Hormone changes also occur, reducing hunger.
Gastric bypass may result in greater weight loss compared to sleeve gastrectomy. It has also shown to be highly effective in improving or resolving obesity-related health conditions, including gastric reflux, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Following gastric bypass, patients need to make lifelong adjustments. Due to the rerouting of the digestive system, certain foods may need to be limited. Vitamin and mineral supplementation will be essential.
Gastric bypass is a more complex surgical procedure compared to gastric sleeve surgery. It involves more more steps and intestinal changes compared to the gastric sleeve.
Gastric sleeve surgery primarily promotes weight loss through restriction. The reduced stomach size limits the amount of food that can be consumed, leading to decreased calorie intake, causing weight loss. The gastric sleeve reduces ghrelin production, a hormone that promotes hunger.
Gastric sleeve surgery is effective in achieving significant weight loss and improving obesity-related health conditions. It may have slightly lower weight loss results compared to gastric bypass and is associated with improvements in diabetes, hypertension, and other comorbidities.
Changes are required after gastric sleeve surgery. Focus on nutrient-dense foods is expected. Due to significant reduction in serving sizes, vitamin and mineral supplementation will be essential.
Gastric sleeve surgery is a less complex procedure. It involves the removal of a portion of the stomach, without the need for intestinal rerouting.
The choice between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve depends on many factors, including individual patient characteristics, medical history, preferences, and discussions with an experienced bariatric surgeon. It is crucial to consult with a surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best procedure for you.
Steps to Surgery.
Our primary goal is to improve your overall health and well-being through a collaborative approach.
- Whether paying for surgery through insurance or out of pocket, there may be program fees collected when enrolling into our program.
- Bariatric surgery is often a covered procedure by many insurance plans. Some plans will only cover surgery when it is done at a designated or accredited center. Before deciding on any medical procedure you should ask your insurer whether bariatric surgery is a covered benefit and what criteria are required for approval.
- While we offer state of the art bariatric care, we cannot guarantee that our services are covered benefits for every insurance plan.
- Call 480-485-8585 to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons.
- Fill out the New Patient Questionnaire and bring it with you to your appointment.
- Arrive 20 minutes early before your appointment. You will receive important information about how our program works and the process of getting authorization for surgery. You will meet with one of our surgeons for a comprehensive evaluation and discuss which surgery options may be best for you.
- There are a number of required appointments and educational opportunities that must be completed before surgery. In addition to our program requirements, insurance plans may have requirements you must complete.
- Our supportive team will instruct you on what is necessary for you to get authorization for surgery.
- Weight loss surgery is like other major surgeries. The best preparation is to understand the risk and potential benefits, and to closely follow your surgeon’s recommendations.
- Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterwards.
- Talk to people who have had weight loss surgery or attend a support group to gain valuable insight.
After Gastric Bypass Surgery
The most dramatic weight loss occurs during the first six to eight months after undergoing gastric bypass.
Recovery after gastric bypass usually involves an overnight stay in the hospital. Patients usually return to work within 1-3 weeks after the procedure. Because the gastric bypass shortens the digestive tract and reduces the body’s ability to absorb calories, it is important that patients follow all post-operative recommendations for nutrition and vitamin supplementation.
Risks and Complications.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), gastric bypass is considered a safe procedure with a low risk of major complications. The risk of experiencing a significant complication is approximately 1%, which is lower compared to the risk of developing severe health problems associated with obesity.
As with any surgery, there are risks related to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and blood clots. These risks are generally low, but they can occur.
Leaks are very rare, however can be serious if they occur. This can cause infection and require additional surgical intervention. However, patients are tested for leaks during surgery to ensure there is no leak at the time of surgery.
Some patients may develop a narrowing of the connection between the stomach pouch and the intestines, leading to a stricture. This can cause difficulty swallowing or eating and may require further treatment.
After gastric bypass, some patients may experience dumping syndrome, a condition characterized by rapid gastric emptying. This can result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and weakness after consuming certain foods, particularly those high in sugar or fat.
Gastric bypass can impact nutrient absorption, particularly for vitamins and minerals. It's important to follow a lifelong regimen of vitamin and mineral supplementation and adhere to nutrition guidelines to prevent deficiencies.
Rapid weight loss after gastric bypass surgery may increase the risk of developing gallstones. Medications or further surgical intervention may be required to address this issue.
Successful outcomes after gastric bypass surgery require significant lifestyle changes, including nutrition modifications and regular physical activity. Adherence to these changes is crucial for long-term weight loss and overall health.
Due to the rearrangement of intestines during the gastric bypass, windows are made in the connective tissue around the surgical site. These windows are repaired, however with rapid weight loss, they may recur and could cause a blockage of your intestines. Additional surgery may be needed to correct an internal hernia.
FAQ
Are you a Candidate for our Weight Loss Programs
Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery?
