The Gastric Bypass was one of the first bariatric surgical procedures devised in the 1970’s, and it has stood the test of time as a procedure which helps patients achieve substantial and sustained weight loss. The weight loss achieved after Gastric Bypass helps improve or resolve many medical problems, and the Gastric Bypass is especially effective in the treatment of Diabetes and GERD.
The Gastric Bypass is currently the most commonly performed Weight Loss Surgical procedure in the U.S. The surgeons of New Dimensions have been performing the Gastric Bypass since 1982, and we have been performing the Gastric Bypass laparoscopically since early 2000. We’ve had excellent results with newer procedures, but the Gastric Bypass continues to be the most commonly performed procedure in the New Dimensions group practice because it is reliable and proven.
The Gastric Bypass is done laparoscopically by our surgeons more than 95% of the time.
The surgery involves the application of a surgical stapling device that divides the upper stomach to create a tiny stomach pouch at the upper end. This pouch is shaped to be about the size of a thumb, and will hold 15 ml or less – this is smaller than the yolk of an egg. The pouch can only hold two or three tiny bites of food, so that patients become full very easily. This restriction on the amount of food is the most important factor in helping Gastric Bypass patients lose weight.
See the Gastric Bypass Procedure Animation.
The Gastric Bypass also involves attachment of the newly-created stomach pouch to a segment of small intestine (the Roux limb) which is brought up from the mid-abdomen. A key feature of this portion of small intestine (technically called "jejunum") is that it cannot handle concentrated calories; therefore, if a patient consumes foods which contain sugar or starches, then this segment of intestine reacts by creating a temporary illness called dumping syndrome. Since Dumping Syndrome makes a patient feel physically ill as a result of sugar intake, most patients after Gastric Bypass find it easy to stick with healthy foods such as proteins and vegetables.
The syndrome may be induced by the intake of simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and some starches. Dumping syndrome is characterized by palpitations (fast heart rate), a clammy feeling, queasiness and nausea, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Usually the patient feels weak, and must lie down for an hour or so. The syndrome is not dangerous, but it feels awful. All bariatric surgical patients are strongly advised to avoid sugary junk food, sugar and other carbohydrates. Experiencing the horrible effects of dumping syndrome can serve as a useful deterrent to keep patients away from these types of foods.
Also see the Risks of Surgery.
Some patients who undergo Gastric Bypass may require other procedures at the time of operation. See Accessory Procedures.
