About Gastric Bypass
Gastric Bypass surgery (also known as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass) is a combination procedure that provides both restriction and malabsorption to achieve weight loss. During the procedure, staples are used to permanently close off part of the stomach. This creates a small stomach pouch for the food you eat. A Y-shaped piece taken from an upper portion of the small intestine is then attached to this small stomach pouch. As a result, food from your stomach pouch bypasses the initial sections of the intestine. This part of your intestine normally would absorb calories and nutrients after eating.
At MyNewSelf, Gastric Bypass is performed laparoscopically, which may allow patients to recover more quickly and experience less scarring than with more invasive procedures. Several small incisions are made and a laparoscopic tool is inserted. There is also a traditional technique which may be used that requires open surgery with a single, long incision.
After recovery, it is essential that patients work to change their old habits and replace them with such things as healthy food choices, exercise and vitamins.
The experienced, multi-disciplinary weight loss team at MyNewSelf will answer all your questions about gastric bypass and other bariatric procedures performed at our facility. We also welcome you to browse through our FAQ page for more information.
Risks and Complications
Risks and complications of weight loss surgery include, but are not limited to, the usual risks of any surgery using general anesthesia, including potential problems with:
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots, including pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)
- Bleeding
- Hernias at the site of the incision
- Infection
- Death
Potential complications of Gastric Bypass surgery include:
- Leaks
- Internal hernia/bowel obstruction
- Stricture
Your surgeon will discuss how the benefits may outweigh the risks and complications of surgery as well as any nutrition requirements you will need to follow.