What is Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass dramatically reduces the size of the stomach; it
also shortens the small intestine so the body absorbs less of the
food eaten. The operation can be performed either with one large
incision or laparascopically (Keyhole).
There will be several small cuts in the abdominal wall and the
stomach is divided into two compartments. One part is stapled to
create a small pouch which is then joined to the small
intestine.
The remaining part of the stomach is stapled shut, but not
removed.
The small bowel is divided and the ends re-routed. The upper
part (which carries the digestive juices from the remaining
stomach) is then joined onto the side of the lower part of the
intestine.
The result of this is approximately 90% of the original stomach
no longer stores food, but the digestive juices from the stomach,
duodenum and pancreas as well as bile from the liver is able to mix
and digest the meal. The gallbladder is removed at the same time if
it contains gallstones.
This surgery is not suitable for everybody, which is why it is
important that you have an in depth consultation with your
specilaist to discuss all aspects of the treatment.