What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric Bypass surgery is the most preferred type of combined surgery. Gastric Bypass, one of the proven methods in the field of obesity surgery, offers remarkable results. While the volume of the stomach is reduced with this operation, the absorption of nutrients decreases due to the shortened path of nutrients in the small intestine.
The initial part of the beginning of the stomach is separated, usually in the range of 30-50 cc. The remaining part is connected to the newly created small stomach, bypassing a certain part of the small intestine. The main purpose of this procedure is to allow patients to experience a feeling of satiety more quickly by consuming smaller amounts of food. It also aims to control calorie intake by preventing most of the absorption of high-calorie foods by the digestive system.
For Which Patients Is Gastric By-Pass Surgery Used?
Gastric By-Pass surgery is a preferred surgical intervention mainly in cases of morbid obesity. Gastric By-Pass (R-YGB) treatment may be considered if there are various health problems associated with morbid obesity. The most prominent among these diseases is Type 2 diabetes. In cases of treatment-resistant Type 2 diabetes, positive results can be achieved with Gastric By-Pass surgery.
Gastric By-Pass Surgery Process
Patients who are scheduled for surgery undergo a comprehensive evaluation. In addition to physical examinations, doctors specializing in endocrinology and psychiatry perform a detailed evaluation of each patient before surgery.
How the surgery is done: Gastric bypass surgery is now performed using laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Thanks to these modern approaches, patients experience a shorter recovery period and less tissue damage.
During the operation, 4-6 holes with a diameter of 1 cm are usually made. Gastric bypass surgery, just like stomach reduction surgery, is based on the principle of reducing the volume of the stomach. Approximately 95% of the stomach is “bypassed”, bypassing part of the digestive tract.
During the surgical procedure, the stomach is divided into sections and one part is bypassed by connecting it to the center of the intestines, while the other part is kept inside the body. This partially alters the digestive process of the food consumed, as part of the food passes directly into the intestines, while the other part is not connected to this pathway.
After surgery: Patients are usually closely monitored in the hospital for a period of 4-6 days. Before discharge, the dietitian prepares the nutritional arrangements for the period until the first follow-up visit. Until the end of the first year, a number of specialists other than bariatric surgery, including endocrinology, psychiatry and nutritionists, closely monitor patients’ health status.
What are the Risks of Surgery?
There are possible risks involved in this procedure, which can occur in many abdominal surgeries. Bleeding, infection, postoperative intestinal obstruction (ileus), hernia and complications related to general anesthesia are common problems that can occur in this type of operation.
However, one of the most serious risks is leakage at the connection between the stomach and the small intestine. This can lead to serious consequences that may require a second surgical intervention. In addition, additional surgical risks that may occur in some patients in the postoperative period may increase depending on their obesity status. These risks may include the formation of blood clots (emboli), especially in the legs and lungs, and heart problems.
About 10-15% of patients who undergo surgery may experience some of the complications mentioned above. In general, more serious complications are rare, while common problems are usually treatable.