Gastric Bypass
The Gastric Bypass
Operation technique: The Gastric Bypass (also known as Roux – en – Y Gastric Bypass) involves surgery using a surgical stapler to create a small pouch in the stomach that is connected to the food pipe (oesophagus). The new stomach pouch reduces the size of the stomach from about 1500ml to around 50ml. The small bowel is then divided at around 100cm from the stomach. The section of the small bowel that is not connected to the stomach is then connected to the new small stomach pouch, while bypassing a large part of the stomach and some of the small bowel.
Duration of operation: The operation takes around two hours in duration.
Hospital stay: Most patients only require a 1 – 2 night stay in hospital following the operation. At The Spire Washington you will have your own large private room with TV, Window, Armchair, Wardrobe and En-suite.
Watch our short video to show the Gastric Bypass technique:
How does the Bypass work?
This operation works mainly by its hormonal effect on the appetite (decreased), the speed of food going through the bowel (increased) and the control of the level of sugar in the blood.
Gastric bypass surgery requires good preparation before surgery and lifelong commitment to dietary changes, taking vitamins daily, having regular blood tests and attending follow up appointments.
Results
Hunger reduced: The Bypass causes you to feel less hungry, becoming full quicker and causes you to burn more calories.
Average weight loss of 30%: Gastric bypass surgery achieves average total weight loss of around 30%. For example, if your weight now is 20 stone, we expect it to be around 14 stone after gastric bypass. Many patients experience rapid weight loss during the initial 6-9 months after their operation and on average people lose around 30% of their weight within 2 years.
Health improvement: In addition to weight loss, the bypass improves many weight loss conditions including: Type 2 diabetes, High cholesterol, High blood pressure, Risk of stroke, Reflux, Polycystic ovaries and Sleep apnoea.
Increased energy: After recovery people find they are able to enjoy exercise and physical activity, building fitness, stamina and enjoy increased energy.
Preparation for the Bypass
Initial Consultation with Mr Toumi: During this appointment you will discuss with Mr Toumi your current health, medical history and past attempts to lose weight. Explore your suitability for the surgery, potential options and potential benefits and risks.
Dietitian Appointment: You will have an appointment with our Bariatric Dietitian where your diet will be accessed, a diet plan provided and learn about the Liver Reducing Diet in the lead up to your surgery day.
Psychologist Appointment: You will be seen by our specialist Psychologist who will further access that surgery is right for you.
Pre-Operative Assessment: You will also need to have a Pre-Op assessment which may include: An electrocardiogram (ECG), Blood tests and Endoscopy.
Recovery after the Bypass
Healing time: Gastric bypass surgery is carried out as a key hole (laparoscopic) procedure using five small cuts in the skin about 1cm wide. This means that in addition to achieving excellent weight loss, the recovery is quick, the pain is minimal, and the risk of post-surgical hernias is reduced. Gastric bypass surgery has a low risk of complications and is a safer operation than many other operations that are performed routinely.
Pain relief: After discharge most patients only require paracetamol for pain relief.
Bathing after surgery: Taking a bath or swimming must be avoided for two weeks after surgery (showering is permitted immediately following surgery).
Driving after surgery: Patients can return to driving after around 2 weeks following the bypass as long as you are able to look over your shoulder and perform an emergency stop without pain.
Returning to work: Most patients are able to return to desk based work within 2 – 3 weeks of their operation. Those with more physical jobs may need to think about the following restrictions after surgery. Injury should be avoided and bypass patients should avoid lifting anything heavier than 5kg in weight for six weeks.
Aftercare following the Bypass
Dietitian appointment: Following a Gastric Bypass with Mr Toumi you are seen by the Bariatric Dietitian who will provide you with post Bypass diet for the short and long term.
Regular follow up appointments: Further to this you will receive regular follow up appointments with Mr Toumi over 2 years following surgery to give you all the support that you need.