During laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, a surgeon creates a small pouch from the top section of your stomach, then attaches it your small intestine. In effect, it helps to restrict you in the amount of food you can eat and you’ll absorb fewer calories, enabling you to lose weight.
As one of the first bariatric surgeries introduced in the country, surgeons have perfected this procedure for decades to create better outcomes for their patients. Today, gastric bypass surgery is among the most popular bariatric procedures in the United States.
For more details about the benefits and risks of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, contact our office at 956-664-1616.
How Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass is Performed
Surgeons at South Texas Health System Heart perform all gastric bypass surgeries laparoscopically. This minimally invasive technique can enable you to recover quicker and experience fewer complications after the procedure compared to open gastric bypass surgery. Your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen and insert special surgical tools, including a laparoscope equipped with a camera. The camera can give surgeons a detailed look inside your body without making a large incision.
Using the surgical instruments, the surgeon will detach the top section of your stomach and seal it shut, creating a small pouch. The pouch is then attached to the lower part of the small intestine to avoid, or bypass, the larger part of the stomach. Still attached to the large part of the stomach is the upper small intestine, which will reconnect with the small intestine to form a “Y” shape. This enables the larger part of the stomach to receive blood and remain in place.
What Are the Advantages of Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery?
By bypassing the majority of the stomach, it will hold less food and limits the amount of calories absorbed. Consequently, patients are full faster, eat less, take in fewer calories and can lose weight. Most patients experience an 80 to 85 percent reduction of excess body weight over one to two years after the procedure. Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and sleep apnea can also improve dramatically, if not cured completely. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, patients can also expect:
- A shorter hospital stay
- Less pain or fewer complications after surgery
- Lower risk of infection
- Quicker recovery to start your new active lifestyle
Is Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery Right for Me?
There are a number of factors that dictate whether or not you’re a qualified candidate for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, including your health and weight-loss goals. As part of our weight-loss process, you will attend a free educational seminar about all bariatric surgeries, the benefits of each and the possible risks.