Gastric Bypass Surgery
Obesity surgery includes many different methods. One of the most used methods among these methods is gastric bypass surgery. Many questions such as “What is gastric bypass surgery?”, “How much weight does gastric bypass surgery cause to lose?”, “Is gastric bypass surgery risky?” are in the minds of people struggling with obesity. It should not be forgotten that every surgery requires a correct preparation process. The effect of the specialist team and superior equipment technology on the success of the surgery is very high. In gastric bypass surgery, only the first stage of the weight loss goal is fulfilled. Achieving the targeted success after the surgery always depends on the patient’s patience and determination to follow the instructions.
What is Gastric Bypass (R-YGB) Surgery?
Gastric bypass (R-YGB) surgery is one of the most preferred obesity surgeries. It is a proven surgical operation with successful results. The goal of the operation is to shrink the stomach and reduce the absorption of nutrients. In order to reduce absorption, the process of shortening the distance that nutrients travel in the small intestine is performed.
Following the shrinkage of the stomach, a significant part of the small intestine is bypassed and connected to the newly designed small stomach. With this operation, weight loss is achieved in two different ways. With a smaller stomach, the person gains the advantage of eating less and getting fuller quickly. In addition, the amount of calories obtained from the nutrients taken is reduced with the decrease in absorption. As a result, weight loss is achieved as the patient will create the calorie difference much easier and faster.
Gastric bypass surgery provides a very effective and permanent weight loss process. It has a recyclable process, together with revision surgery if deemed necessary. However, although it is theoretically possible, in practice such a revision surgery is not performed unless there is great necessity.
In Which Diseases Is Gastric Bypass (R-YGB) Surgery Used?
Gastric bypass surgery is preferred if the patient with a body mass index in the morbid obesity class. The causes of obesity and other accompanying diseases can also be regulated and controlled by gastric bypass surgery. Especially Type 2 diabetes patients get very successful results with gastric bypass surgery. However, one of the most important disadvantages of surgery is reduced absorption. In this case, the person gets much less vitamins and minerals from nutrients. Vitamin and mineral supplement should be taken in order to balance this situation that is valid throughout life.
How is Gastric Bypass (R-YGB) Surgery Performed?
A successful preoperative process is needed for gastric bypass surgery to be performed in a healthy way. This process is also considered as the preparation process for surgery. A successful surgery and post-operative process is very important in order to reach the targeted weight. A successful surgery takes place with the right expert staff and equipment. In the post-operative period, the patient is given plans to follow. In this process, the greatest responsibility falls on the patient itself.
Gastric Bypass surgery preparation process: The patient’s physical examinations are performed. If necessary, it is expected to decrease to the weight determined for the surgery together with a special diet program.
Surgical process: Gastric bypass surgery is performed by laparoscopic method. With the advancement of technology, robotic surgery is also advancing and is starting to be used in gastric bypass surgery. The surgery is performed through 4 or 6 holes drilled with a diameter of 1 centimeter. With the surgery, an average of 95% of the stomach is bypassed. With the division of the stomach into two, the small stomach is connected to the middle part of the intestine, bypassing the duodenum. After this operation, nutrients stop passing through the duodenum. The shrinkage of the stomach makes it possible to provide fullness with less portion. Skipping a large part of the intestine will reduce absorption, so less nutrients will be absorbed.
Post-operative period: The patient is kept under control for a few days after the operation is completed. After an average of 4-6 days of control, the patient is discharged if no adverse events are observed. It is necessary to strictly comply with the diet and exercise program during the postoperative period. In addition, by taking behavioral therapy, it is aimed to get rid of the bad eating and drinking habits in its life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Bypass Surgery
The success of gastric bypass surgery is the biggest factor in many people choosing this surgery. Those who want to have the surgery should first have the necessary tests done and have them checked whether they are suitable for the surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery will be more beneficial for some patients, and gastric bypass surgery for some patients.
What are the Gastric Bypass Types?
Gastric bypass surgery has two different versions in itself. They are listed below with details.
Roux en Y Gastric Bypass: A small volume stomach is obtained by dividing the stomach into two. Bypass is performed by connecting the middle part of the intestine with the small stomach. The name of the new connection created between the small stomach and the small intestine is called Roux en Y. Thanks to the bypass process, for which it is named, when the nutrition comes to the stomach, it proceeds directly from the small stomach to the middle of the small intestine without passing the entire stomach. Both saturation is provided with less food, and much less nutrient absorption is obtained, as a large part of the intestine is bypassed.
Mini-Gastric Bypass: A new stomach pouch is created in the same way. It is larger than the small stomach created in the Roux en Y version. Subsequently, a connection is established between the small intestine and the new stomach pouch. It is a much easier operation than the other version. The weight loss principle works in the same way.
What are the Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Even the simplest surgeries carry the risk of complications. Risk factors for gastric bypass surgery are listed below;
- As in other abdominal surgeries, complications such as bleeding, intestinal obstruction, infection, hernia and anesthesia may occur.
- Existence of new connections poses the risk of leakage. In particular, the connection between the stomach and the small intestine must be carried out very meticulously. In case of possible leakage, the problem can be resolved with revision surgery. The formation of embolus in the feet and lungs poses a risk due to obesity.
- An average of 10% of people who have gastric bypass surgery may experience some of the simple complications listed above. The probability of serious complications in gastric bypass operations is very low. There are usually treatable complications.
Which Patients Are Suitable for Gastric By-Pass Surgery?
Body mass index is among the basic values taken into consideration in obesity surgery. Patients with a body mass index over 40 are suitable for gastric bypass surgery. Patients with a body mass index between 35 and 40 are also suitable for gastric bypass surgery if they have obesity-related problems such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, etc.
What Should Be Considered in Post-Surgery Nutrition?
- A minimum of 3 meals should be eaten and the diet should be strictly followed in order to eat healthy foods.
- Protein-based diet should be preferred, and vegetables and fruits should be given priority. Finally, whole-wheat cereal groups should be consumed.
- Liquid foods should be consumed during the 2-week period after the surgery. Between the 3rd and 5th weeks, foods in puree form should be eaten.
- A minimum of 1.5-2 liters of water should be consumed per day. As a result of low water consumption, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, tongue wound and dark urine can be seen.
- Clear and soft foods should be eaten as much as possible. Consuming foods low in fat should be a priority. Eating low-fat foods should be a priority. Mashed potatoes, low-calorie healthy cereals, diet puddings, mashed fish and omelets can be preferred.
- The consumption of white sugar, desserts, sweets and other simple sugars should be avoided.
- It is necessary to chew for a long time at meals and to swallow the food after breaking it into very small pieces. It is extremely important to cut the food into as small pieces as possible so that the gastric outlet is not blocked.
- Special attention should be paid to protein intake. It can be deceiving to get the protein that a person will need due to the smaller portions. In order to protect the musculoskeletal system in a healthy way, the need for protein intake should be closely monitored.
- Liquid should not be consumed while eating solid foods. Due to the small volume of the stomach, liquid drinks consumed with meals can cause vomiting.
- Fluid intake should be stopped for 30 minutes before and after meals.
- Eating should be stopped when fullness is felt. However, it is necessary to make sure that enough protein is taken.
- Consumed foods should be noted, and foods that cause discomfort should be determined.
Other Questions About Gastric Bypass Surgery
How Long Will You Stay in the Hospital After Gastric Bypass Surgery: After the surgery, the control process in the hospital takes 3-4 days. If no adverse events are observed, the patient is discharged from the hospital.
Can People Who Have Had Gastric Bypass Surgery Lift Heavy Loads: It is strictly forbidden to lift heavy loads within the 6-week period after being discharged from the hospital.
Can People Who Had Gastric Bypass Surgery Drive: It is not recommended to drive within 2 weeks after discharge. There is no obstacle in front of walking, climbing stairs and taking a shower.
When to Return to Work After Gastric Bypass Surgery: White-collar workers can return to work after 2-3 weeks. Workers in a job that requires physical strength are not recommended to start work before a minimum of 6 weeks.
When Does Weight Loss Start After Gastric Bypass Surgery: Weight loss starts directly after the surgery. As fullness will be achieved with small portions, the weight loss process will become active immediately after the surgery. Especially in the first months, the rate of weight loss is high. Although the rate of weight loss decreases, it continues for 18-24 months.
