For many individuals struggling to lose weight, gastric bypass surgery may be a viable option. Gastric bypass is a very common procedure in which surgeons shrink the size of the stomach and reroute the digestive tract. This helps restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold and also prevents the body from absorbing as much food as it used to. As a result, patients are able to lose and keep off excess body weight. Learn more about the gastric bypasses performed at Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute for Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery.
How Gastric Bypass Surgery Works
During the surgery, the stomach will be sectioned off, usually with staples, so that food can only enter a small upper pouch. Then, it bypasses about two feet of the small intestine where food will not be digested. This limits the amount of calories and nutrients being absorbed. In addition, the procedure also changes gut hormones to help suppress the patient’s appetite.
The goal of the surgery is to help the patient lose weight in order to live a longer, happier and healthier life. By treating morbid obesity, many obesity-related medical conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, can also be reversed. However, as with any surgery, there is risk for complications, so it’s important to talk with a doctor about what to expect.
What to Expect After Gastric Bypass Surgery
In order to ensure success after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, there are permanent diet and lifestyle changes that patients must make. The surgeon will provide specific guidelines regarding diet and nutrition and will likely prescribe supplements. It’s also commonly recommended for patients to quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
With the right lifestyle changes and regular checkups, many patients are able to enjoy long-term weight loss following bariatric bypass surgery. However, keep in mind there may be other weight-loss options available to you. Ask your doctor about other types of surgeries to find out which one you may be a good candidate for.
Your Weight-Loss Journey Continues at RUMC
If you’re interested in gastric bypass surgery or another type of weight-loss surgery, RUMC can help. Our Bariatric & Metabolic Institute is staffed by compassionate, highly-experienced bariatric specialists with access to cutting-edge technology. Call (718)-818-4020 to learn more.
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