Description
The second most common bariatric procedure performed. It is a procedure that alters the digestion process, so you feel full faster. The surgery is performed through small abdominal incisions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
The surgery lasts from 1 to 1.5 hours. It is a dual function procedure, as it is restrictive and produces reduced absorption. The result is a new 2-meter bypass with less storage capacity and shorter absorption time. Patients must take dietary supplements to maintain an adequate nutritional balance.
Are you a candidate for gastric bypass surgery?
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery may be a good option for you if:
- You are a man at 100 pounds over your ideal body weight or a woman at 80 pounds over your ideal body weight.
- You have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40
- You have a BMI between 35 and 40 and have another condition such as obesity-related type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease.
How does the laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure work?
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure that alters the digestion process so you feel full faster. The surgery is performed through small abdominal incisions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
During this procedure, the surgeon staples the stomach to create a small pouch that will hold less food and then shapes a portion of the small intestine into a "Y" shape. The "Y" portion is then connected to the stomach pouch, so that when food is digested, it travels directly to the lower part of the small intestine. The pouch will contain only about an ounce of food or less, which causes a feeling of fullness after a few bites.
Advantages and disadvantages of gastric bypass
As with all surgical procedures, there are advantages and disadvantages. At Sharp, we believe it is important for you to be aware of both.
Advantages of gastric bypass
- Decrease of hunger hormone (ghrelin)
- increased metabolism
- Lose up to 70 percent of excess weight.
- Reversible
Disadvantages of gastric bypass
- Risk of blood clots
- May cause "dumping syndrome" (food in the stomach passes quickly into the intestines, causing nausea, sweating, fainting, weakness and/or diarrhea).
- Ulcers
Please note
*If and only if it is necessary to remove the gallbladder due to gallstones at the time of surgery, that can be done at a low additional cost of $500 USD. Since this is rare, but should be addressed if discovered, it is not included in the pricing package.