We Know: All About Gastric Bypass Surgery

What is gastric bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery is now known as stomach stapling. Doctors use this surgical procedure to induce weight loss in the severely obese. This surgical procedure creates a smaller stomach by dividing and stapling shut the larger portion of the stomach. The smaller stomach is rerouted to another part of the intestine where food and nutrients are poorly absorbed, reducing calorie intake and inducing weight loss. Gastric bypass surgery is therefore a combination of a restrictive (stomach reduction) and malabsorptive (poor absorption of nutrients) procedure.

What are the different types of gastric bypass surgeries?

There are three main types of gastric bypass surgeries. These are:

  • Roux-en-Y (RYGBP)
    • It is the most commonly performed gastric bypass surgery.
    • The stomach is separated into a smaller upper portion and a larger lower section using staples. The smaller upper portion holds the food.
    • A short limb of the small intestine is rerouted to the upper portion of the stomach, forming a Y shape.
    • The larger portion of the stomach and the esophagus are bypassed.
    • Malabsorption of foods induce weight loss.
    • Reduces appetite.
    • More effective than purely restrictive procedures.
    • Possibility of wound infection and tearing of the stomach wall.
    • Side effects may include nauseousness.
  • Extended (distal) Roux-en-Y (RYGBP-E)
    • Modified form of RYGBP used in special circumstances for weight loss.
    • Longer limb of the small intestine is attached to the new stomach, bypassing pancreatic juices and bile.
    • Involves increased malabsorption compared to RYGBP, resulting in pronounced nutritional deficiencies.
  • Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery
    • This procedure involves making a series of small incisions on the abdomen, through which a small camera is inserted to assist in the surgical stapling of the stomach. Video images from the camera guide surgeons during the procedure.
    • Less invasive than RYGBP.
    • Requires fewer follow-ups than the RYGBP, has less chance for wound infection and scars because of smaller incisions.

How is a person selected for gastric bypass surgery?

Doctors recommend the surgery for severely obese people who have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight using other methods. The individual must be committed to adopting healthier lifestyles in order to keep the weight off. Potential candidates of the surgery are screened using medical and psychological tests to ascertain their commitment.


Doctors will recommend the surgery for:

  • Persons with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. This translates to weights exceeding 100 pounds over an individual's normal weight.
  • Persons with a BMI of 35 and who have predisposing health risks, such as diabetes and heart disease

Are there any adverse risks associated with the surgery?

According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, there will be an 0.5% morbidity rate in centers that have expertly performed gastric bypass surgeries. At least 8% of gastric bypass surgery patients will experience wound infection, and as many as 20% will experience hernias. Other risks, according to both the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institute of Health, include:

  • Bleeding
  • Vomiting, caused by consuming too much food since the new stomach holds a limited supply of food.
  • Vitamin deficiencies - poor absorption of iron and calcium could lead to anemia, requiring vitamin supplementation.
  • Dumping syndrome
    • Occurs with excessive intake of sugar or food.
    • Nausea
    • Bloating
    • Sweat and dizziness
    • Possible ulcers
    • Changed intestinal system leads to gallstone formation

How much weight can I lose through gastric bypass surgery?

Most weight loss occurs 18 to 24 months after the surgery, averaging 10 pounds per month. Recipients of the surgery must maintain good eating habits and maintain a regular exercise regimen for the procedure to be effective.

If I have the surgery, how much time will it take for me to recover?

It normally takes four to five days to recover after gastric bypass surgery. As long as you can keep pureed food down and move around with minimal discomfort, you will be permitted to return home. You will be placed on a liquid diet for several weeks, after which you may be able to eat a tablespoonful of food, and gradually build your food intake, albeit in smaller portions.



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