Laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric Bypass
A Gastric Bypass is an operation ideal for people suffering with Type 2 diabetes, acid reflux and who have struggled with their weight.
There are two stages to this operation. In the first part, the stomach is divided into two parts using a surgical stapler.
The smaller part of the stomach is then joined (anastomosis) to the second part of the small bowel (jejunum).
During the second part of the operation a new joint (anastomosis) is made between the jejunum and the jejunum to allow food to reach the remaining part of the small bowel and avoid reflux of acid and bile into the oesophagus.
Food no longer passes through the entire length of the intestines but instead leaves the small pouch and enters the second part of the jejunum bypassing the most of the stomach and the first part of the small bowel (duodenum and part of the jejunum).
A Gastric Bypass produces excellent weight loss (approximately 70% of the excess body weight)and in different ways which are not completely understood.
The hormone Ghrelin is secreted in a different way and so the patient will no longer feel hunger in the first few months after having the operation.
The gut hormones will be secreted as they used to before the excess weight was put on so often Type 2 diabetes goes into remission.
A Gastric Bypass operation does not cause protein or fat malabsorption. Some of the vitamins and electrolytes (calcium, zinc and others) will need to be supplemented for life as they are usually absorbed in the part of the stomach and small bowel by-passed.
Like all weight loss surgery procedures, the Gastric Bypass is a tool. Used correctly and following the advice given by the OxBariatric team, you can expect to achieve weight loss of between 70-75% of your excess body weight over 2 years.
You will need to make lifestyle changes to work with the procedure. The more you are willing to change, the better the results you can expect.
What are the advantages of a Gastric Bypass?
You will feel less hungry as Ghrelin is no longer present
Your calorie intake will be lower as you have a smaller stomach
Because the operation is performed by keyhole surgery, the scarring left behind is minimal.
NO foreign body is implanted (Intra-gastric balloon, gastric band)
Type 2 Diabetes in many cases is put into remission
Acid reflux symptoms will resolve
Think about the following prior to the procedure
Get active - walking a little further each day will help you to prepare for surgery and will help you feel positive. Try to aim for short walks totalling 30 minutes.
Eat healthier - think about the food you are consuming. By reducing your calorie intake and drinking more water can help.
Think about your health - advise your GP you are thinking about this procedure. Keep appointments with your physicians.
Stop drinking alcohol - stop at least 2 weeks prior to the operation. Not only will it help your overall calorie control but it will help reduce cravings.
Stop drinking alcohol - stop at least 2 weeks prior to the operation. Not only will it help your overall calorie control and will help reduce cravings.
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