Gastric Bypass Surgery
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has long been considered the “gold standard” for obesity surgery, and, depending on your unique needs, the gastric bypass can be an excellent tool for gaining long-term control of weight.
The gastric bypass procedure accomplishes weight loss in two distinct ways. First, through restriction, or limiting the volume of food intake, which creates a sense of satiety (fullness) with very small meals. And second, through modest malabsorption, which limits the body’s absorption or intake of nutrients and calories in the uppermost intestines.
In addition, similar to gastric sleeve patients, gastric bypass patients rarely, if ever, feel the hunger sensation due to reduction in the "hunger hormone" ghrelin.
Ideal Candidates
The gastric bypass procedure may be particularly suited for persons with a BMI of 35+ with co-morbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, or joint pain who wish to have profound rapid weight loss with lasting results. Some people choose the gastric bypass so they can eliminate the need for reflux or diabetic medications. The gastric bypass may also be for people who have a particular affinity for sweets, as too much intake after surgery can lead to unwanted side effects (Dumping Syndrome).
Advantages
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Performed laparoscopically: leads to faster healing and less pain.
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Sugar Sensitivity (Dumping Syndrome): too much sugar intake can lead to unwanted side effects.
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Less hunger: reduces hunger hormone ghrelin.
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Eliminates gastro-esophageal reflux disease (heartburn).
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No foreign device and less management needs: compared to gastric banding.
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Excellent long-term results: safe, reliable and effective.
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Gold Standard: more than 60 years of experience.
Disadvantages
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Stomach stapling: risk of leakage and other complications directly related to stapling.
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Major surgery: risks of bleeding, blood clots, intestinal obstruction, wound infection, pneumonia, and death
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Permanent re-routing of the GI tract: malabsorption of vitamins and minerals, sensitivity to NSAIDs, and bypassed segments not easily visualized if problems arise
Procedure
At Nashvile Weight Loss Solutions, we perform the Gastric Bypass as a minimally-invasive (laparoscopic) procedure where very small incisions allow abdominal access with small instruments. This approach leads to reduced pain, less scarring, and faster recovery. The surgery takes about 1.5 hours to perform, and most patients stay in the hospital 2 nights and return to work in 2 weeks.
The procedure involves separating the stomach into 2 parts, an upper small gastric pouch and a lower gastric remnant that no longer receives food. The small intestines are brought up and connected to the new upper stomach pouch via a small opening called the anastomosis that limits how fast food empties downstream. The small pouch and anastomosis promote early satiety and prolonged fullness with very small meals. The bypassed stomach and first part of the small intestines function normally. Their secretions, along with those of the liver and pancreas, mix with the food at the Roux-en-Y connection and aid in digestion of the meal.
Results
Patients typically lose an average of 75% of their excess weight by one year after surgery.* Gastric bypass weight loss is generally higher than that observed with purely restrictive procedures. Success rates of weight loss surgery are much higher when patients are an active participant in a comprehensive Aftercare program like offered at Nashville Weight Loss Solutions.
My husband and I had gastric bypass surgery in 2004 by Dr. Houston and it has been the best decision of our lives. We were slowly dying from multiple obesity related conditions; but, 12 years later, we are healthy, happy, active, and enjoying life together. Thanks, Dr. Houston!*
---Cathy and Mike S.
*Individual results may vary.
Am I a Candidate?
Visit our Pathway to Surgery page to find out if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, see if your insurance will cover bariatric surgery, and learn how to take the next step.
To learn more about Gastric Bypass or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Houston, please call us at (615) 342-5820 or complete our contact form.