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Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss surgery procedure that restricts the amount of food you can eat and reduces the amount of calories absorbed.
Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss surgery procedure that restricts the amount of food you can eat and reduces the amount of calories absorbed.
A stapler is used to divide the stomach into two parts. This creates a smaller pouch at the top, taking in less food to make you feel full. Instead of the food then passing into your stomach through the band (as is the case with gastric banding), food bypasses the stomach and much of the intestine through a small intestine that has been rerouted and grafted onto the small stomach pouch.
You should be able to go home three to six days after the gastric bypass surgery operation. Most people need six weeks to recover after the operation. You will need to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor, dietician and patient support groups.
On average, people lose around 70 per cent of their excess weight within two years of gastric bypass surgery. Average actual weight loss is around one stone per month, though this varies with each patient. These figures are a guide. For further information, speak to your consultant. After the gastric bypass operation, you will need to take nutritional supplements permanently.
This surgery is designed to help patients lose substantial amounts of weight. However, as with all medical procedures, there is no guarantee that it will lead to the desired results.
The following lifestyle changes can help make the procedure a success:
Possible complications
As with all major surgeries, there are some potential risks. These can include*:
Some patients find that after a year or two of rapid weight loss, they are left with excess skin.
*This is not a definitive list and symptoms will vary with each patient. Please ask your consultant for more information.
The procedure can be carried out using keyhole surgery, through five or six small cuts. It can also be carried out as an open operation with one vertical cut in the abdomen. Your consultant will discuss which is more appropriate for you. For more information, and if you have any queries about the procedure, speak to your consultant.
Consultant Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon
MBChB, PhD, FRCS
The Alexandra Hospital
Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgeon
MBChB, DIC, MSc, FRCSI, FRCS (General Surgery)
The Princess Margaret Hospital 1 more The Runnymede Hospital
Consultant General, Upper GI, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon
MBBS, MS, FRCS (Glasg), FRCS (General Surgery)
The Droitwich Spa Hospital 1 more The Meriden Hospital
Consultant General & Gastrointestinal Surgeon
MB BS, LRCPS, FRCSG, FRCS(Gen) BSc
The London Independent Hospital
Consultant General and Gastrointestinal Surgeon
MB BS, MS, FRCS
The Chiltern Hospital 1 more The Shelburne Hospital
Consultant General Surgeon
MB ChB DS CABS FRCS CCST
The Blackheath Hospital 2 more Chelsfield Park Hospital The Sloane Hospital