Gastric Bypass is a procedure where a portion of the stomach is sectioned off, creating a small stomach pouch, which will hold about two ounces of food.
This causes the feeling of fullness after just a few bites. This pouch can stretch over time allowing one to eat more.
Approximately 5 feet of small intestine is bypassed from a total of 15 - 20 feet. This helps with greater weight loss.
Weight loss is usually 65-75% of your excess weight. Nearly all of these procedures are performed laparoscopically.
Laparoscopic refers to the technique of making 5-6 tiny skin incisions in the abdomen, by which a small camera and instruments are passed into the abdominal cavity. These instruments are then used to perform the operation. This technique offers smaller scars and a quicker recovery time.
What can I expect from the Gastric-Bypass procedure?
Since the Gastric-Bypass is performed laparoscopically, using tiny incisions, there is minimal discomfort and downtime.
General anesthesia is used. Incisions are additionally numbed using local anesthesia.
The procedure takes about 75 minutes to perform.
An endoscopy is performed by Dr. Mehta at the end of surgery to evaluate the new stomach pouch and perform a Leak Test. This safety method makes sure that the newly created stomach is well sealed, and there is no leak before leaving the operating room.
There is usually a 2-night hospital stay.
The patients are started on ice-chips the following morning, and advanced to a liquid diet on day 2.
The Gastric Bypass can be used for patients with a body mass index greater than 35.
It can be performed laparoscopically using 5-7 small incisions.
What can I expect after treatment?
Return home in 2 days.
Most patients return to work within 2-3 weeks for a desk job.
Wait 2 weeks for light lifting.
Wait 6 weeks for heavy lifting
Liquid diet for week 1
Pureed foods for week 2
Soft foods for week 3.
Solid diet week 4 and thereafter.
You will be guided every step of the way by Dr. Mehta, Dietician, Nurse Practitioner, and the office staff who are Dr. Mehta’s patients and have had Gastric Bypass themself.
Support groups are available monthly.
Weight loss can be 65-75% of your extra weight. It can often be higher if you eat a high protein, low fat, and low carbohydrate diet, stick to small portions, and exercise routinely.
Is the Gastric Bypass Safe?
Overall the Gastric Bypass has become increasingly safer over the last decade. This is due to better instrumentation, improved technology, and volume of experience.
Possible risks and benefits are discussed on an individual basis with Dr. Mehta as well as at his seminars.
Benefits
It offers drastic weight loss.
It is also performed laparoscopically.
No Foreign body placed inside you.
Follow-up visits are less frequent than for the Gastric-Band.
Gastric Bypass Cost
Most insurance companies pay for this procedure.
With insurance, the patient portion is approximately $3,500
