Gastric Bypass Surgery For Weight Loss

Fletcher Allen Bariatric Surgery offers a gastric bypass surgery as a weight loss surgery option for patients looking to dramatically reduce their weight. You’ve probably made several attempts to take control of your weight through diet and exercise.  But for many, that is not enough.

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, has been shown to provide the longest period of sustained weight loss in patients who have tried other approaches without success. One of the bariatric surgery options offered by Fletcher Allen is called gastric bypass surgery.

Why choose Fletcher Allen Bariatric Surgery?

Fletcher Allen Bariatric Surgeons and the Bariatric Surgery progam have been accredited as a Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS BSCN Accreditation Program accredits facilities in the United States that have undergone an independent, voluntary, and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards. In addition the accreditation symbolizes institutional commitment and accountability for safe, high-quality surgical care, as evidenced by the documentation of performance indictors and the measurement of outcomes. Find a bariatric surgeon here in Vermont.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric Bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), slows the absorption of food and decreases calorie intake by creating a small stomach pouch. The pouch holds 3 to 5 ounces of food. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch.  The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the middle portion of the small intestine, thus bypassing calorie absorption and the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Results: you can expect to lose 75% of your excess body weight within three years after surgery. 

Types of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Bariatric surgeons at Fletcher Allen may offer candidates two options, open gastric bypass surgery and laproscopic gastric bypass surgery. Open gastric bypass is a more traditional weight loss surgery that involves making an abdominal incision. Laporoscopic gastric bypass surgery is a less invasive approach where instruments, inserted through small incisions in the abdomen, are guided by the surgeon using camera at the end of the instrument to perform the surgery from a television monitor. Some patients, including those who have had previous abdominal surgery, are extremely obese or have medical problems may require the open gastric bypass surgery approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

What are some of gastric bypass surgery results?

Restricts Eating: During gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch is created with staples which limits how much you can eat and diminishes appetite.

Decreases Calorie Intake: The intestine is rerouted in such a way that calories are not absorbed in a small segment.

Dumping Syndrome: Another effect of gastric bypass surgery is a condition called dumping syndrome. Because the intestine is re-routed after bariatric surgery, certain foods, such as those high in sugar, are emptied quickly into the intestines. Although this does not happen to everyone after gastric bypass surgery, it is a common side effect causing people to avoid foods with sugar and is generally felt to be a benefit of the surgery and not a complication.

How much weight will I lose after gastric bypass surgery?

People usually lose 75% of their excess body weight in three years after surgery. For example, if you weighed 210 pounds above your ideal body weight, you could lose 160 pounds. People who continue to routinely exercise and do not eat snack foods can lose up to 80% of their excess body weight. People who do not exercise and eat snack foods may regain the weight that they have lost as a result of surgery.

What are the health benefits of gastric bypass surgery?

Most invidiuals experience additional health benefits from gastric bypass surgery. In 95% of patients the quality of life improved and obesity-related health conditions called "comorbidities" were resolved or improved. In addition mobility and energy are usually greatly improved.

Bariatric surgery has also been shown to resolve or improve obesity-related health conditions (comorbidities), including:

• Type 2 Diabetes – 82%-98% resolved
• Hypertension – 62%-70% resolved
• Migraines – 57% resolved
• Obstructive sleep apnea – 74%-98% resolved
• Osteoarthritis/Degenerative joint disease – 44% resolved

Read more about the resolution of comorbidities after bariatric surgery.

How long is the hospital stay for bariatric surgery?

After gastric bypass surgery, you can expect to stay at Fletcher Allen Health Care for a minimum of three days.

What are the risks after gastric bypass surgery?

Your surgeon and the Bariatric Surgery team can help you understand the advantages and risks associated with gastric bypass surgery.  It is important to remember that weight loss surgery will only work as well as the amount you invest in adopting a healthy and active lifestyle. 

Contact Fletcher Allen Bariatrics about Gastric Bypass Surgery

The Bariatric Surgery Team at Fletcher Allen will help you determine whether you are a candidate for surgery. Find out if you are a candidate for gastric bypass weight loss surgery or request more information about the program. You will receive a Bariatric Surgery Health Questionnaire, Informational Brochure and Patient Booklet. Once we receive the questionnaire from you, our staff will review it and will invite you to attend an introductory session held at our clinic.