What is a gastric bypass?

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This operation will bypass most of the stomach by keeping only a small gastric pouch (ping-pong ball) = restriction

In addition, this small pocket will drain directly into a long piece of intestine which will be sewn to the small pocket. This piece of intestine (1.5m to 2m) having no enzyme "will digest" food less well (malabsorption). It's a bit like removing a piece of intestine: it's still there but because of the editing it doesn't "digest" food well anymore.

 

 

This operation therefore requires several "seams", often carried out by machines (stapling).

 

You have to eat slowly because the pouch is small. However, emptying the pouch is easier than with a ring (eating easier). Eating sugary foods can cause discomfort (dumping syndrome).

 

Strict and regular monitoring will guarantee good progress. This follow-up is essential for life.

Main advantages of the bypass

Relatively faster and easier to lose than with the ring.

Bypass can be performed after failure of a ring or other procedures.

Unlike the ring, the bypass will do 80% of the work (≠ 50% for the ring) especially the first 6 months.

 

"Dumping syndrome": set of symptoms that are caused by eating sweet foods in some people who have had surgery (discomfort, nausea, cramps, etc.). These discomforts are both an advantage because they require a change in diet, and a disadvantage because they can be "unpleasant" in some patients.

Very often by laparoscopy.

Main disadvantages of the bypass

More difficult, more complicated, longer operation

Rate of peri-operative complications (from 0.5 to 3%).

Need to take vitamins or other nutritional supplements for life (malabsorption)

Longer hospital stay (2-4 days)

 

Death rate higher than the ring: 0.5% (world statistics)

"Dumping syndrome": The discomfort may be "unpleasant" in some patients.

Decrease in the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill (talk to your gynecologist)