Gastric Bypass Surgery

Who qualifies for gastric bypass?

If you have a body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or higher, or have a BMI of 35 with an obesity-related condition, you probably qualify for bariatric surgery. If you have tried diet and exercise to lower your weight but can’t keep it off, bariatric surgery might be a long-term solution for you.

We know making the choice to have surgery can be stressful—as well as deciding between the types of weight loss surgery. At the first appointment with your surgeon, we will discuss all types of bariatric procedures and which one might be right for your goals. 

You might be a good candidate for gastric bypass if you have:

• Adult-onset diabetes
• Fatty liver disease
• High cholesterol
• Acid reflux

After your first meeting with the surgeon, we evaluate you and make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery. They include blood tests, a chest X-ray and a heart screening. You also visit a psychologist who specializes in working with bariatric patients. Our dietitians also meet with every single patient, building the foundation for successful weight loss after your procedure. 

For most patients, this process can take three to six months to complete. During this time, our team is available to help you meet weight loss milestones and answer any questions you may have.

What happens during gastric bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass is performed under anesthesia and takes about two hours. You will likely have laparoscopic surgery — this means the surgeon will only make small cuts in your abdomen. These smaller incisions heal faster than a traditional approach, which means less pain and a faster return to normal.

First, your surgeon divides your stomach into two, uneven sections. The biggest section, called the remnant stomach, will no longer store or digest foods. The smaller section, called a gastric pouch, will now serve as your stomach.

Next, your surgeon will also divide your small intestine into two sections. The first half of your small intestine stays connected to your remnant stomach. The second section is connected to your gastric pouch. The ends of the small intestine are then connected, forming a Y-shape (gastric bypass is sometimes called roux-en-Y bypass).

How does gastric bypass help me lose weight?

Gastric bypass limits the amount of food you can eat. The small gastric pouch can only store so much food, and you feel fuller faster. This procedure also changes how your body turns food into energy. This change reduces hunger, increases fullness and allows you to reach and maintain a healthy weight (with a healthy diet and regular exercise).

What is recovery like?

Most people who have gastric bypass surgery return to work after about two weeks. You will have follow-up appointments regularly. The first will be two weeks after surgery, then again at three months, six months and a year after surgery.

During your recovery, your surgeon, dietitian and nurses will be available for any questions or concerns you have. All of our staff works specifically with bariatric patients — so you’ll always have a provider who knows just what you’re going through.

How fast will I lose weight after gastric bypass?

Usually within six to 12 months following gastric bypass.

How much weight will I lose after gastric bypass?

You can expect to lose about 60% of your excess weight. 

For example, let’s say you are 6 feet tall and weigh 300 pounds. You have a BMI of 40. You are carrying about 120 pounds of excess weight — or the amount of weight you would have to lose to reach a normal BMI.

If you had gastric bypass surgery, you could expect to lose about 72 pounds (60% of the 120 pounds of excess weight). But, each patient is different, and your weight loss might be more or less than expected.