Gastric bypass is one of the bariatric surgery procedures. This surgery has been used in the treatment of morbid obesity patients for more than 20 years. In gastric bypass surgery, while the stomach volume is reduced, the absorption of nutrients is reduced.

Patients with a body mass index of 40 and above constitute the target group of bariatric surgery. Patients with a body mass index between 35 and 40 with obesity-related type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea are eligible candidates. 

The surgery aims to provide saturation quickly with much smaller portions. Since the path to the small intestine is shortened, the absorption of a significant part of the high-calorie foods is prevented. Permanent weight loss is achieved with Laparoscopic Gastric By-Pass (R-YGB) surgery.

The Procedure

Gastric By-Pass surgery is performed by laparoscopic method. In recent years, robotic surgery has also started to be preferred. In the surgery, 1 cm. 4-6 incisions are made in diameter. The stomach is reduced in gastric bypass surgery as in sleeve gastrectomy surgery. A part of the stomach, which is divided into two by surgical methods, is bypassed and attached to the middle of the intestine. The other part is not removed from the body and continues to function. Thus, the consumed food is prevented from passing through the duodenum. While the reduction of the stomach in the first stage of the surgery reduces the eating capacity of the patients, the intervention in the intestine facilitates the absorption of nutrients. Combining the two procedures, gastric bypass is one of the most effective and successful bariatric surgery procedures.

Gastric bypass is a major operation, and therefore patients need to stay in the hospital for at least 5-6 days after the operation. Thus, the patient's pain, blood level, blood pressure, and the condition of the diseases s/he has are taken under control. Before the patients are discharged, a nutrition program is planned by a specialist dietitian. Patients should be fed according to this program and should not disrupt their controls. During one year after the operation, the recovery period of the patient is followed up by an endocrinology, psychiatry, and diet specialist, in addition to the obesity surgeon.

What Are the Risks Involved in the Gastric Bypass Surgery?

The risks that can be experienced in any surgical operation are also valid for gastric bypass surgery. It is important to choose the right doctor to minimize these risks. Before the operation, performing all tests by specialist physicians and acting respectively reduces these risks as much as possible. The first 15 days after gastric bypass surgery are critical; if there is no problem in this process, everything is fine. No risk may develop after 15 days from the operation.