Gastric Bypass
Also know as the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, is considered the ‘gold standard’ of weight loss surgery.
How Does it Work?
There are two components to the procedure. First, a small stomach pouch is created by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. Next, the first portion of the small intestine is divided, and the bottom end of the divided small intestine is brought up and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch. The procedure is completed by connecting the top portion of the divided small intestine to the small intestine further down so that the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach and first portion of small intestine will eventually mix with the food.
The gastric bypass works in several ways. First, the newly created stomach pouch is considerably smaller and means smaller meals can be eaten, which translates into less calories consumed. Also, due to the changes there is likely to be less absorption of calories and nutrients.
Most importantly, the rerouting of the food stream produces changes in gut hormones that promote satiety, suppress hunger. It also reverses Type 2 diabetes.
The gastric bypass works in several ways. First, the newly created stomach pouch is considerably smaller and means smaller meals can be eaten, which translates into less calories consumed. Also, due to the changes there is likely to be less absorption of calories and nutrients.
Most importantly, the rerouting of the food stream produces changes in gut hormones that promote satiety, suppress hunger. It also reverses Type 2 diabetes.
Pros
Significant long-term weight loss
Restricts the amount of food that can be eaten
Produces positive changes in gut hormones that reduce appetite
Leaves a person feeling more satisfied after meals
Restricts the amount of food that can be eaten
Produces positive changes in gut hormones that reduce appetite
Leaves a person feeling more satisfied after meals
Cons
Technically a more complex operation than the Gastric Band and Sleeve Gastrectomy and as a result may lead to greater complication rates
Can lead to long-term vitamin/mineral deficiencies particularly deficits in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and folate
Generally has a longer hospital stay than the Gastric Band
Requires strict adherence to dietary recommendations, life-long vitamin/mineral supplementation, and compliance with follow-up
Can lead to long-term vitamin/mineral deficiencies particularly deficits in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and folate
Generally has a longer hospital stay than the Gastric Band
Requires strict adherence to dietary recommendations, life-long vitamin/mineral supplementation, and compliance with follow-up