Gastric bypass

A gastric bypass is a surgical procedure to treat severe obesity. In this procedure, the stomach is reduced to a small "pouch," allowing you to eat less and be full faster. In addition, part of the small intestine is rerouted so fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed.

Plan your appointment

Call for an appointment 011 69 94 64

Preparation

Thorough consideration is given to whether or not a gastric bypass is a good solution for you. If you receive approval, a number of preoperative tests will follow. The examinations below may be part of this:

It is best to start a low-calorie (and high-protein) diet six weeks before surgery. The operation is made easier by weight loss and when the liver has reduced in volume.

The surgery

The procedure can be done through keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). This means smaller incisions are made that allow for a faster recovery.

Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy)

During gastric bypass, a smaller stomach is made with a new and smaller stomach outlet. This new stomach no longer has a passageway with the rest of the stomach. The small intestine is retrieved and connected to the new stomach. Thus, a bridge (bypass) is made over the old stomach and duodenum. The end of the duodenum is reconnected to the small intestine so that gastric juice, bile and pancreatic juice are still mixed with the food. This is necessary for normal digestion.

Expected results

  • After the procedure, you can lose an average of 60-70% of your excess weight, or 30% of your total weight.
  • The greatest weight loss occurs in the first six months.
  • After this you keep losing weight, although it slows down, for 12 to 18 months.

You will need to adjust your diet after surgery to support your stomach in the process. It's best to get assistance from a dietitian.

For the first four to six weeks, all food should be pureed and you should take no more than two tablespoons per meal. You may drink unlimited amounts, but it is best not to do so in the 20 minutes after a meal. Try to drink a few sips regularly rather than large amounts at once.

After four to six weeks, the new stomach will have expanded somewhat. You can now eat soft foods that do not need to be pureed. At this stage, you may take a maximum of four tablespoons per meal. About ten weeks after the operation, you can eat anything you want. The amount is now limited to the size of an appetizer. To continue losing weight, it is best to eat a balanced diet without too much fat or sugar.

Benefits of the surgery

A gastric bypass proves effective for both people who eat large amounts of food and those who eat a lot of sweet foods. After surgery, weight loss is often remarkably rapid. In addition, health problems associated with being overweight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can greatly improve or even disappear.

Notes

The procedure does not prevent a possible later pregnancy. However, it is best to wait for at least a year to a year and a half after the procedure to become pregnant. It is even more important to take iron, folic acid and other supplements regularly if you become pregnant.

Alcohol is absorbed faster and better into the bloodstream after a gastric bypass. This means you will reach the legal limit faster, keep this is mind when driving.

A gastric bypass is a major surgery, and because of your obesity, you are more likely to have complications. These complications can occur at various stages of healing.

During and immediately after surgery

During and after a gastric bypass, some side effects may occur such as mild bleeding, injury to an abdominal organ or wound infection. Sometimes there may be seam leakage, lung problems or inflammation of the urinary tract. In rare cases, problems with the lungs, heart or blood circulation may occur.

Recovery

In the later stages of healing, there may be delayed wound healing due to the presence of a lot of subcutaneous fat. A scar fracture can occur. You also have a higher risk of developing gallstones.

After a gastric bypass you may suffer from vitamin deficiencies. It is recommended to have regular blood tests so you can supplement any deficiencies with supplements.

Departments

Would you like more information or to make an appointment? If so, please contact the department(s) below.
General and abdominal surgery

Plan your appointment

Call for an appointment 011 69 94 64