Gastric bypass is a restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss surgery procedure. It restricts the amount of food you can eat and reduces the number of calories (and nutrients) you absorb from food.
There are a number of variations of bypass surgery. The most popular in the UK is called the Roux-en-Y bypass (RYGB). The Roux-en-Y bypass reduces your stomach size and shortens your digestive system.
A gastric bypass works in two ways:
The benefits of gastric bypass surgery are that weight loss tends to be rapid with good long-term results for many, and that patients often see swift improvements in obesity related health conditions. It requires a commitment to changing your eating habits and focussing on nutritious foods. You would need to take vitamins for life and have quarterly vitamin B12 injections. As with any operations, much of the success is dependent on your ability to change your lifestyle. Most patients find that the benefits of working with the operation are worth it and they really enjoy the new weight loss.
The typical gastric bypass cost is between £9,500 and £15,000 throughout the UK. At Ramsay Health Care UK, a gastric bypass is very competitively priced from a guide price of £9,600. This gastric bypass package includes: 24 months aftercare that comprises access to a team of specialist bariatric nurses, dieticians and regular medical reviews. Payment plans are available to fund your treatment.
So, who can have a gastric bypass? You may be eligible for gastric bypass surgery if:
Initially, you will only be able to have fluids. You will then move on to puréed food and eventually add solid food to your diet. You will be advised to take vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs for a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. You may also need regular injections of vitamin B12 to prevent pernicious anaemia.
Your weight loss surgeon or a dietitian will discuss your gastric bypass diet including changes to the foods and their reduced quantities that you should be consuming. Once you have lost some of your initial excess weight they will also discuss healthier lifestyle options and how to become more active.
Most people take between four and six weeks to make a full recovery after gastric bypass surgery.
Aftercare is included within your treatment price and you will have access to a range of specialists and information to help you with your aftercare and support.
You may experience some gastric bypass surgery side effects including: bruising, pain and swelling around your wounds, and dumping syndrome if you continue poor eating habits and over eating. Dumping syndrome is common if you eat weight gaining foods high in sugar and fat and can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness and sweating. You will eventually learn to avoid these foods unless you want to experience dumping syndrome symptoms. There are complications associated with any surgery and these will be discussed when you have a consultation with a surgeon.
When it comes to gastric bypass surgeries, there are two different kinds: the traditional gastric bypass and the mini gastric bypass. A mini gastric bypass performs the same purpose as a traditional gastric bypass, however the main difference is that it makes the stomach much smaller and reroutes the small intestine.
A mini bypass takes less time to perform than the traditional gastric bypass, and it’s also a more straightforward procedure out of the two. It’s becoming the more popular choice, as it offers similar results when it comes weight loss and health benefits. On average a mini gastric bypass can take about 45 minutes to an hour to perform.
Patients lose weight because the gastric pouch that they have fills with food quite quickly so that they are content with a much smaller meal. Additionally there is some food non digestion due to the delayed mixing with digestive enzymes, the hormonal changes that occur due to delayed food mixing not only make people feel full but also help control type 2 diabetes.
For more information on what a mini gastric bypass is click here.
Gastric bypass revision surgery (Roux-en-y gastric bypass failure) - how it works, what's involved, procedure, benefits & risks
Gastric sleeve failure (revision surgery to convert to gastric bypass) - how it works, what's involved, procedure, benefits & risks
Gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive procedure only. Two thirds of the stomach is resected and removed, leaving a smaller stomach in the shape of a sleeve. The portion of the stomach removed produces a hormone that stimulates appetite and hunger. Removing this portion of stomach results in a significant reduction in appetite.
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