Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the bariatric surgery methods that can help you lose weight. It can be used for weight problems that cannot be eliminated by diet and exercise.

In this operation, which is performed by experienced general surgeons, the stomach is connected to an advanced part of the small intestine after it has been reduced in size. In this way, a feeling of fullness can be achieved with less food. As the ingested food passes through a smaller part of the small intestine, digestion and absorption can also be reduced.

Various methods are available for this operation. Some of the types of gastric bypass surgery are as follows.

Roux-en-Y (RNY) gastric bypass method: RNY gastric bypass surgery can be beneficial due to the quick recovery process and small incision. During the procedure, the surgeon can reduce the size of the stomach using staples or vertical bands. He or she then connects a Y-shaped part of the intestine to the reduced stomach. This can reduce calorie intake and nutrient absorption.

Comprehensive gastric bypass (biliopancreatic diversion): This is a complex gastric bypass procedure. The lower part of the stomach is removed and connected directly to the last part of the small intestine. Although this contributes to weight loss, it can lead to a lack of vitamins, which are excreted via the first part of the small intestine.

Before gastric bypass surgery, your doctor may recommend that you start an exercise and diet programme in preparation for the procedure. Tobacco consumption should be restricted. The patient’s condition will be taken into account when planning the devices and methods to be used during the procedure. Open or closed laparoscopic surgical methods can be used. Factors such as the severity of obesity, the patient’s age and general health determine the choice of method. Gastric bypass surgery is performed in the following order:

Before the operation, the patient is given a general anaesthetic. This means that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.

An incision is made in the stomach to create access to the stomach and intestines.

Once the stomach has entered the abdominal cavity, it is reduced in size and converted into a pouch.

The first part of the small intestine is then bypassed, cut and sutured to the shrunken stomach.

After the operation is completed within a few hours, the patient is taken to the recovery room.