Gastric Bypass Surgery is indicated as bariatric (weight loss) surgery in morbidly obese patients where conservative methods have failed.

Am I A Candidate?

You may be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery if you

• are morbidly obese (at least 100 lbs. overweight) and have had the obesity for 3 or more years
• are aged 15-65
• have a BMI  (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher (or 35 or higher with concomitant serious disease process). BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (lbs.) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying that amount by 704.5). 

• fail to lose weight despite participation in at least one formal weight control program.
• have a medical condition directly caused by, or made worse by the extra weight, such as:
  • Hypertension
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Chronic respiratory insufficiency
  • Dependent edema
  • Chronic degenerative joint disease of knees, hips, ankles or back (including gouty arthritis)
  • Severe GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
  • Chronic depression (as a result of obesity)
  • Hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol or triglycerides)
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Recurrent hernia
  • Chronic phlebitis and/or chronic venous insufficiency

What Does Gastric Bypass Surgery Involve?

The operation is complex and difficult, whether performed by an open incision, or by laparoscopy.  It can be organized into three steps:

• Division or partitioning of the stomach into two parts - an upper small pouch, and a lower, large pouch.
• Creation of a Y-connection in the small bowel, to make a new end to connect to the stomach.
• Connection of the new small bowel end to the upper stomach pouch, to bypass the stomach.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

The laparoscopic gastric bypass takes the Roux-en-Y procedure above, using the same anatomy and connections, and varies only the instruments used to perform it laparoscopically.

The results of this operation are as follows:

• Operating time is slightly longer than the open operation (about 90 -120 minutes laparoscopically, versus 60 - 90 minutes open).
• Recovery time is shorter: typically 2 days in the hospital, and 10 -14 days to return to full activity.
• Weight loss is excellent, averaging 80% of excess body weight after one year, and maintained at 80% for four years following surgery (for as long as the operation has been done this way).
• Over 95% of all weight-related health problems (co-morbidities), such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux, stress incontinence, and degenerative arthritis pain, are relieved by one year after the operation - often much sooner.
• Complication rate has been similar to that with the open operation, except that no incisional hernias (hernias occurring through the scar of the incision) have occurred, with the laparoscopic technique. We emphasize that one should not think of the laparoscopic operation as reducing the risks of bariatric surgery. It reduces pain and discomfort, inconvenience, recovery time, and scarring.
• Cosmetic results have been an added benefit for some younger patients, who now are proud to wear a two-piece bathing suit.
• Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass can be performed on all but the very severely obese (over 380 lb). We advise against attempting the technique when patients have had prior open operations in the upper abdomen, especially on the stomach.

What Are The Advantages Of Gastric Bypass Surgery?

• Roux-en-Y offers the best balance between weight loss and risk of complications.
• The success rate is very impressive: On average, weight loss is 80 percent of excess body weight one year after surgery!

How Long Does It Take?

The open procedure takes about 1.5 hours; the laparoscopic procedure takes longer- about 2.5 hours.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Usually only one.

When Will I See Results?

You should start seeing rapid weight loss in the first year after the procedure; on average, the weight loss is 80% of excess body weight! The results are quite noticeable and dramatic.

 What Are My Alternatives?

• LAP-BAND Procedure
• Dieting
• Exercise
• Anorectic medications, e.g. dextroamphetamine or phentermine

 Will I Have Pain?

There will be some pain in the abdominal area after the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication for you to take over the next few days.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You can usually return to work or school in about a week with the laparoscopic procedure. The open procedure takes longer.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

A physician experienced in the methods of bariatric surgery will perform the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover?

You should check with your individual insurance company to see if this procedure is covered.