How does a gastric bypass work?

Gastric bypass is a medical procedure that effects both the stomach and small intestine. The stomach is divided so that the patient can consume only small portions of food. The small intestine is rearranged, which changes the way the body absorbs food. The gastric bypass procedure is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure.

The gastric bypass procedure is complex and takes between one and four hours for the surgeon to complete. Patients will be required to stay in the hospital for two days or more following the procedure.

Full recovery from the procedure will take between six and eight weeks. Patients with non-strenuous occupations can return after two weeks. The more strenuous the job, the longer patients will be advised to wait before returning to work. Ideally, heavy lifting and manual labour should be avoided for the full recovery period.

Chronic tiredness and pain may occur as a result of the surgery and anaesthetic. These symptoms may continue for the first few days after the surgery.

Surgeons recommend that patients wait at least one year before having any farther surgeries, including cosmetic surgery. Surgeries of the digestive system should also be avoided as much as possible.

Some patients are concerned about scarring associated with the surgery. For most patients, scars are minimal, and continue to fade over time.

The most popular form of gastric bypass surgery is called Roux-en-Y. There is an alternative gastric bypass surgery known as a mini bypass. There have been no proven effects of the mini bypass, so most surgeons will recommend the Roux-en-Y, which is regarded as one of the best weight management solutions for the chronically obese.

Most gastric bypass patients loose 75% of their excess weight within the first year following the procedure. The surgery has a very high success rate, but it can fail. Generally gastric bypass failure is caused by a refusal to follow the nutritional plan or repeated overeating. Patients who follow the diet and exercise plan recommended by their surgeon should expect success with a gastric bypass.