Gastric Bypass is one of the most frequently performed procedures for morbid obesity in the U.S., and has shown to be significant in the resolution of type II diabetes. A gastric bypass restricts food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine. Having a smaller stomach pouch causes you to feel full sooner and eat less; bypassing part of the small intestine means the body absorbs fewer calories.
See how this procedure works:
Life After Gastric Bypass
Excess Weight Loss
Gastric bypass patients typically lost up to 74% percent of their excess weight.
Health Benefits
Studies found1 that gastric bypass:
- Resolved type 2 diabetes in 83.8% of patients and often resolved the disease within days of surgery
- Resolved high blood pressure in 75.4% of patients
- Improved high cholesterol in 95% of patients
Quality of Life
One meta-analysis stated that for weight loss surgery patients who experienced significant weight loss:
- Overall quality of life improved greatly.
- They experienced improved physical functioning and appearance.
- They experienced improved social and economic opportunities.
Recovery
Gastric bypass patients are generally able to:
- Leave the hospital within two days
- Return to work after 2 weeks
Potential Concerns of Gastric Bypass
A condition known as dumping syndrome can occur from eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. While it isn’t considered a health risk, the results can be very unpleasant and may include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, palpitations, and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome can be prevented by avoiding high-fat, high-sugar foods. Patients must supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron.
1 - Statistical information provided by American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery