(Types of bariatric surgical procedures which involve gastic bypass to some degree include: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, [RYGBP], biliopancreatic diversion, [BPD], biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch, [BPD-DS])
Gastric bypass surgery, a type of bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), is a procedure that alters the process of digestion. Bariatric surgery is the only option today that effectively treats morbid obesity in people for whom more conservative measures such as diet, exercise, and medication have not been effective.
Bariatric surgery works in one of three ways:
Currently, in the U.S., there are five types of bariatric surgical procedures generally used to obtain continued weight loss. The purely restrictive bariatric surgeries are called gastric banding or gastric stapling. The biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is mainly a malabsorptive bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass surgery is a combination of both restriction and malabsorption.
Types of bariatric surgical procedures which involve gastric bypass to some degree include:
Digestion is the process by which food and liquid are broken down into smaller parts so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells. Digestion begins in the mouth, where food and liquids are taken in, and is completed in the small intestine. The digestive tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.
The stomach is where the three mechanical tasks of storing, mixing, and emptying occur. Normally, this is what happens:
The food is then digested in the small intestine and dissolved by the juices from the pancreas, liver, and intestine, and the contents of the intestine are mixed and pushed forward to allow further digestion.
Malabsorptive procedures alter this process in different ways depending on the type of procedure.
Bariatric surgery is performed because it is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients for whom nonsurgical methods of weight loss have not been effective.
Potential candidates for bariatric surgery include:
Because the surgery can have serious side effects, the long-term health benefits must be considered and found greater than the risk. Despite the fact that some surgical techniques can be done laparoscopically with reduced risk, all bariatric surgery is considered to be major surgery.
Although not all risks with each procedure are fully known, bariatric surgery does help many people to reduce or eliminate some health-related obesity problems. It may help to:
Surgery for weight loss is not a universal remedy, but these procedures can be highly effective in people who are motivated after surgery to follow their physician's guidelines for nutrition and exercise and to take nutritional supplements.
There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a gastric bypass procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. Some possible complications include, but are not limited to, the following:
With the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, and particularly the biliopancreatic diversion procedure, malabsorptive symptoms may be more serious with an increased risk of anemia and loss of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K). Adequate amounts of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 may not be absorbed. This can cause metabolic bone disease and osteoporosis.
Stomal stenosis occurs when there is a stricture (tightening) of the opening between the stomach and intestine after a Roux-en-Y procedure. When this occurs, vomiting after eating and sometimes after drinking may occur. Stomal stenosis can be treated easily but should be treated immediately.
"Dumping syndrome" is also more likely to occur with these procedures because the food in the stomach moves to the intestines quickly. Symptoms include nausea, sweating, fainting, light-headedness, tachycardia, palpitations, desire to lie down, loss of concentration, weakness, and/or diarrhea. Almost 85 percent of patients who have gastric bypass surgery will experience this syndrome after the procedure.
There is a risk that additional surgery may be necessary because of complications, including gallstones.
One of the most serious complications of gastric bypass is a stomach leak that can cause peritonitis to develop. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the smooth membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen.
There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.
Gastric bypass surgery requires a stay in the hospital. Procedures may vary depending on which type of procedure is performed and your physician's practices.
Gastric bypass is generally performed while you are asleep under general anesthesia.
Generally, gastric bypass surgery follows this process:
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. Weight loss surgery usually requires an in-hospital stay of several days.
You may receive pain medication as needed, either by a nurse or by administering it yourself through a device connected to your intravenous line.
You will be encouraged to move around as tolerated while you are in bed, and then to get out of bed and walk around as your strength improves. This is very important, as it helps to prevent blood clots from forming.
At first you will receive fluids through an IV. After a day or two you will be given liquids, such as broth or clear juice, to drink. As you are able to tolerate liquids, you will be given thicker liquids, such as pudding, milk, or cream soup, followed by foods that you do not have to chew, such as hot cereal or pureed foods. Your physician will instruct you about how long to eat pureed foods after surgery. By one month after your procedure, you may be eating solid foods.
You will be instructed about taking nutritional supplements to replace the nutrients lost due to the reconstruction of the digestive tract.
Before you are discharged from the hospital, arrangements will be made for a follow-up visit with your physician.
Once you are home, it will be important to keep the surgical area clean and dry. Your physician will give you specific bathing instructions. The sutures or surgical staples will be removed during a follow-up visit.
The incision and abdominal muscles may ache, especially with deep breathing, coughing, and exertion. Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your physician. Aspirin or certain other pain medications may increase the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only recommended medications.
You should continue the breathing exercises used in the hospital.
You should gradually increase your physical activity as tolerated. It may take several weeks to return to your previous levels of stamina.
You may be instructed to avoid lifting heavy items for several months in order to prevent strain on your abdominal muscles and surgical incision.
Weight loss surgery can be emotionally difficult because you will be adjusting to new dietary habits and a body in the process of change. You may feel especially tired during the first month following surgery. Exercise and attending a support group may be helpful at this time.
Notify your physician to report any of the following:
Following gastric bypass surgery, your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions, depending on your particular situation.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
This page contains links to other websites with information about this procedure and related health conditions. We hope you find these sites helpful, but please remember we do not control or endorse the information presented on these websites, nor do these sites endorse the information contained here.
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Office of the Surgeon General of the United States - Overweight and Obesity