Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery often referred to as gastric bypass, is one of the most common choices for weight loss procedures in the United States. In 2017 alone, of the 228,000 Americans who received bariatric surgery, 17.8% of them chose gastric bypass. And many patients experience high rates of success, losing up to 50% or more of their body weight within two years. Gastric bypass surgery is a popular choice for patients of Valeriu E. Andrei, M.D., Bariatric Associates P.A., who seek the procedure when they have a substantial amount of weight to lose and wish to improve their overall health.
About Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach and bypasses a portion of the digestive system to reduce appetite. Together, these changes prevent patients from absorbing as many calories as they once did. Gastric bypass is generally recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 50 or higher but has also been successful for those with a BMI of 40 or higher. It may also be recommended for anyone with a BMI of 35 or higher who lives with obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes.
How Gastric Bypass Is Performed
During a gastric bypass, Dr. Andrei makes small incisions in the abdominal area to insert a laparoscope, a tube-like instrument with a camera, as well as other tools. He then removes the bottom portion of the stomach to reduce its size and closes the open end with staples. This leaves a small one-ounce pouch in place that is similar to a golf ball in size, substantially limiting the amount of food patients can consume after surgery.
Next, Dr. Andrei closes off the small intestine, allowing food to bypass a major portion of the digestive system. Doing so causes hormonal changes that help patients feel full faster and longer and minimizes hunger and cravings.
Gastric Bypass Benefits and Risks
As with any medical procedure, patients should clearly understand the benefits of gastric bypass before choosing the surgery. It offers a host of advantages for many individuals, including successful long-term weight loss, reduced appetite, and improved symptoms of sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and PCOS. Additionally, the procedure offers a faster recovery time when compared to other forms of surgery and is even linked to reversing one of the causes of type II Diabetes.
At the same time, adverse side effects, though rare, are possible. The stomach pouch may stretch over time, returning to its original size and making the procedure less effective. Other side effects include gallstones, staple breakdown, dumping syndrome, and stomal stenosis. Dr. Andrei will make sure you understand all the benefits and risks of gastric bypass and determine whether this procedure is the right one for you.
Learn More Today
When diet and exercise aren’t enough, weight loss surgery offers hope to patients living with obesity. If you’re ready to improve your health and feel more confident, contact Valeriu E. Andrei, M.D., Bariatric Associates P.A. today. Dr. Andrei will provide a complimentary consultation to determine the best way for you to lose weight and keep it off for good.