Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass, is a type of weight loss surgery that involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting the newly created pouch directly to the small intestine. After gastric bypass, swallowed food will go into this small pouch of stomach and then directly into the small intestine, thereby bypassing most of your stomach and the first section of your small intestine. Gastric bypass is done when diet and exercise have not worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. Gastric bypass surgery is done at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. It is an inpatient procedure that requires an overnight stay.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the pros of having a Gastric Bypass?
The gastric bypass can help you lose up to 70% of excess weight. In patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, it also serves as an anti-reflux operation and can help treat this condition while facilitating rapid weight loss. Like the sleeve gastrectomy, the gastric bypass has the advantage of treating other conditions related to obesity including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
What are the general risks associated with having a gastric bypass?
Surgical complications are infrequent but can happen. If something does happen your surgical team will use their expertise and knowledge to solve the problem quickly.
Some potential risks include infection, bleeding or leak at suture/staples, ulceration at the pouch-small intestine connection, internal hernias, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, dehydration, blood clots, death.
Some potential risks include infection, bleeding or leak at suture/staples, ulceration at the pouch-small intestine connection, internal hernias, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, dehydration, blood clots, death.
Are there any potential side effects?
With any surgical procedure there are potential side effects. For bariatric surgery, some side effects can be, nausea, vomiting, gas or bloating, lactose intolerance, temporary hair thinning, depression, and change in bowel habits.
What do I need to do before surgery?
A few steps need to be taken before you can have a gastric bypass at North Memorial Hospital, and some of these steps will vary depending on your insurance. Some requirements may include lab work, meeting with a specialized bariatric nurse, psychological evaluation, health maintenance exams, sleep studies, and a preoperative endoscopy. Since the preoperative requirements can be different for each patient, we encourage you to schedule an initial consultation with us so we can review these with you.
Will I be in pain after surgery?
The first few days you will experience pain where the incision sites are. Some patients experience neck and shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery as well. Tell your nurses or physician if you are experiencing pain. Keep ahead of the pain, do not wait till the pain is at its worst to start taking the medications prescribed by your surgeon.
What can I do to help in my recovery?
After your surgery, you will spend one night in the hospital. Most patients will go home the day after surgery. Getting up and walking around can help speed up your recovery and reduce complications. Changing positions in bed, walking, and prescribed exercise helps maintain good blood flow which reduces the risk of blood clots. Walking also helps reduce abdominal pain after laparoscopic surgery.
When should I call my surgeon or notify my surgeon's office?
- Fever of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- ii. Redness, swelling, or drainage from incision sites
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Inability to keep down liquids lasting greater than 12 hours
- Pain or swelling in your legs
- Urine output less than 4 times in 24 hours
What should I do to help keep my weight off?
Bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment and patients must commit to taking vitamins, healthy eating, office checkups, and exercise. Patients who commit to eating healthy, taking their vitamins and exercise will increase their potential for long lasting results.