Gastric Bypass Surgery

What is the Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is essentially the “gold standard” for weight-loss surgery in the United States. Studies show the average weight loss is higher for patients who choose this option vs. one simply using a restrictive device (such as a band). During this procedure, after the surgeon makes a small stomach pouch a “bypass” is created which keeps food from entering parts of the small intestine. Since the body can’t absorb as many calories or nutrients due to the skipping of these small intestine sections, the patient begins to experience a new pattern of weight loss.

There are a variety of Internet sites dedicated to counseling people about the medical requirements and benefits of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. The best source of information can be found through independent sources, including the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons

According to a 2004 bariatrics article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the procedure’s many advantages include:

• 83.7% of Type 2 diabetes cases are resolved, often within days of surgery.
• Gastric bypass surgery successfully resolves more Type 2 diabetes cases than purely restrictive procedures
• Substantial weight reduction: 61.6% of excess weight is lost
• 96.9% of hyperlipidemia cases are resolved
• 87.1% of hypertension cases are resolved or improved

A substantial improvement in a patient’s overall quality of life: excess weight is lost, many weight-related health problems are resolved, improved appearance, improved social life, improved chances to obtain and retain employment.