What is a Gastric Bypass?

Gastric Bypass surgery is one of the most prominent weight loss procedures, preferred by a large number of people suffering from obesity. This is thanks to its high efficacy in shedding excess weight by 60% to 80% (of what? Original body mass? or is this the success rate?). A Gastric Bypass also helps Type 2 diabetics to avoid sugar absorption from food, which maintains blood sugar levels at a healthy rate. The procedure works by reducing the size of the patient’s stomach through formulating a side channel connecting its top part (creating a pouch) directly to the bottom of the small intestine, thus bypassing the top of the small intestine. This in turn leads to absorbing fewer nutrients and a faster feeling of fulness upon consuming small amounts of food. The Gastric Bypass surgery is only performed on individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35.

Overview

of the Procedure

After completing the necessary medical examinations and ensuring readiness of the patient’s health condition, the surgeon will begin by making several small incisions (not exceeding 2 cm in length) around the upper part of the stomach and inserting the endoscope and surgical tools.
The stomach is then divided into two pouches, the upper one is labelled the gastric pocket. It would be small in size, receiving incoming food from the mouth and only around 30 g of solid food and fluid.
The next step is connecting the top stomach pouch that was created to the small intestine, thus bypassing the part responsible for (reducing?) sugar and fat absorption and secreting satiety hormones (upper small intestine) and forming a new digestive tract.
As for the lower largest part of the stomach, it is stapled and linked to the anterior (upper?) (separated) part of the small intestine, which leads to reduced secretion of gastrointestinal juices and appetite-inducing hormones.
Following these significant steps is a test conducted to ensure functionality of the newly created digestive tracts, examining the properness of linkages and no leakage of gastrointestinal juices. Surgical incisions are then stitched up in cosmetic fashion.

Anesthesia:

Gastric Bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Duration of Stay:

The patient must stay in Istanbul for 10 days following the operation, with the first 3 nights spent at the hospital.

Post-Op & Aftercare

After the surgery, the patient is transmitted directly to their room where a team of nurses will monitor their vitals as the anesthesia wears off.
Upon waking from anesthesia, the patient may feel some discomfort, swelling, and dizziness. It is nonetheless important to start lightly walking a few hours after waking.
The patient might feel certain post-op symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. However, these are all perfectly normal side effects which can be mitigated through the prescribed medication and painkillers.
By undergoing a Gastric Bypass, the patient will have taken a significant step towards the effective prevention of numerous diseases linked to obesity, such as increased risks of high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
In the first few days post-op, our medical staff will assist the patient in performing some light activities and movements -such as standing and light walking- to ensure utmost safety and quicken the recovery process.
A doctor’s check-up will be performed on the fifth day to be assured of the patient’s health condition following the operation.
Our team will provide the patient with a dietary program to be followed for a period of 6 months.