Gastric Bypass Surgery Program
 In the
gastric
bypass procedure, a 15-20cc stomach pouch is
constructed (usual stomach approximately 1500cc or greater). The remainder of
the stomach is separated from the new stomach pouch and stapled closed. This
part of the stomach is not removed. The new stomach pouch is then connected to
the small intestine. This is done by dividing the intestine approximately 40cm
from the stomach and attaching the distal part to the stomach pouch. The
proximal part of the divided intestine is then connected to the side of the
intestine that was previously attached to the pouch. The roux limb is that part
of the intestine between the stomach pouch and the connection to the proximal
small intestine.
Gastric Bypass Candidates The Gastric Bypass surgery may be
right for you if:
- Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.
- You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and
lifestyle.
- You do not drink alcohol in excess.
- The perceived risks of continued obesity are greater than the risks of
surgery. In general, the risks of obesity are thought to outweigh the risks
of surgery when a patient is 100 pounds or more overweight or has a Body
Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater.
- Patients of lesser weights are sometimes approved if they have a
"life-threatening" co-morbidity such as diabetes, high blood pressure,
severe sleep apnea, etc.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
 Surgery
by open incision usually takes an hour to an hour and a half, although
because of necessary immediate perioperative activities, the time during
which the patient is separated from his/her family is usually 3-4 hours.
(Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery may take longer.) After surgery you
will awake in the recovery room. Here you will be carefully monitored
while the anesthesia wears off. A tube will be placed in your bladder to
prevent post-operative urinary retention and to help determine the
amount of intravenous fluids you will need. You may also notice that you
are wearing leggings that rhythmically squeeze your legs. These were
applied immediately prior to surgery to prevent blood clots and are worn
until you feel like getting up and walking around; usually on the second
or third post-operative day.
Read more about the surgery:
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