Gastric Bypass Surgery in Inland Empire
Bariatric surgery for effective, lasting weight loss
Gastric bypass is a common and very effective weight loss surgery option that restricts your food intake and reduces the amount of food your body absorbs by greatly reducing stomach size and rearranging a portion of the small intestines to “bypass” a significant part of the stomach and upper intestine.
Our experienced bariatric surgeons can usually perform gastric bypass laparoscopically for safer, lower-risk surgery with greatly reduced recovery time.
Why weight loss occurs after gastric bypass
A normal stomach can hold about 4 to 6 cups of food, while the stomach pouch created during gastric bypass can hold about 1 cup of food. This is the restrictive outcome of the procedure. An additional outcome is mild food malabsorption. Bypassing the stomach and upper small intestine causes less absorption of food— mainly fats and starches. Both of these outcomes result in immediate and dramatic weight loss. During the first 6 to 12 months, it’s common for a patient to lose as much as 6 pounds per week.
Benefits of gastric bypass
- Effectively achieves rapid, massive weight loss
- Can dramatically improve or reverse diabetes, joint pain, sleep apnea, obesity-related infertility, and many other conditions
- Has a higher long-term weight loss success rate compared to LAP band and other procedures
- Studies show gastric bypass is more effective in reducing diabetes and other obesity-related diseases compared to other options
- Provides a permanent means of reducing hunger, food intake, and nutrient absorption for long-term weight loss
Surgical Arts of Inland Empire patient Nicole discusses her gastric bypass surgery.
How is gastric bypass surgery performed?
Technically known as Roux-en-y gastric bypass, the surgery requires about 2 to 4 hours and is performed under a general anesthesia. Usually, surgeons perform gastric bypass as a laparoscopic procedure, dividing the stomach to create a small pouch, then connecting this pouch to a loop of the small intestine.
Your bariatric surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen. The abdomen is then inflated with gas to allow visual examination. Through the incisions, the laparoscope and other tools are inserted. Using surgical staples, your doctor creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach. The pouch is then connected to a section of the small intestine, effectively bypassing part of the stomach and an upper portion of the small intestine.
Recovery and post-operative lifestyle changes
After surgery, you may be placed on in-patient care for about 5 days. The approximate recovery time (when you can return to a normal routine) is 3 to 5 weeks. Our experienced staff will give you special dietary instructions and help you transition into your new lifestyle. There will be necessary changes to make in your diet—adequate protein intake, vitamin and mineral supplements, and restrictions on specific fatty and sugary foods are typically recommended to ensure your health and safety and help you lose weight steadily.
Are you a candidate for Gastric Bypass in Rancho Cucamonga?
If you have attempted but failed to lose weight through supervised diet changes and exercise, you may be a candidate for this procedure. Most patients present a BMI (body mass index) of 35-40, along with one or more health problems related to obesity, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, osteoarthritis and other problems.
Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery should expect rapid weight loss, so it is best to be prepared for the physical and psychological changes. To benefit from bariatric surgery, one must be committed to making long-term lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and regular exercise.
Risks of gastric bypass
Like any surgical operation, there are documented risks that should be taken into account before you decide to proceed with surgery. During your consultation, you and your doctor can review the risks and possible complications associated with gastric bypass surgery, such as:
- Complications requiring another surgery to correct (i.e., staple line leakage, perforation, infection, blockage)
- Dumping syndrome, a painful and potential serious issue when stomach contents empty too quickly into the intestines
- Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion after eating certain foods
- Nutritional deficiency
You can minimize potential risks and complications by choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon to perform gastric bypass, following your doctor’s post-op instructions, and adhering to your recommended diet after your procedure.
Making the choice to have bariatric surgery is a major step toward changing one’s lifestyle and physical appearance. It’s not a decision to make with haste, but one that requires careful consideration and the guidance of a qualified bariatric surgeon.
