Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery

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Diagram of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting the newly created pouch directly to the small intestine. This procedure is done to treat severe obesity when diet and exercise have failed.

History

The first gastric bypass surgery was performed in 1967 by Dr. Edward E. Mason at the University of Iowa. Since then, the procedure has evolved and improved significantly.

Procedure

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Gastric bypass surgery procedure

Gastric bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and uses a laparoscope to guide the surgery. The top portion of the stomach is sealed off from the rest of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The small intestine is then cut and attached to the new pouch. Food bypasses the rest of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine, reducing the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.

Risks and Complications

Like any major surgery, gastric bypass surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Long-term risks include nutritional deficiencies, gallstones, and bowel obstruction.

Benefits

Gastric bypass surgery can provide long-term weight loss. Most people lose about 10 to 20 pounds a month in the first year after surgery. It can also improve or resolve conditions often related to being overweight, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

See Also

• Bariatric surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Obesity