subject: Common Gastric Bypass Surgery Questions: Obesity Surgery 101 [print this page] Gastric bypass surgery has given thousands of morbidly obese Americans a new lease on life. As one of the most commonly performed and effective forms of bariatric surgery, gastric bypass surgery helps patients to control their food intake and make healthier choices. If you are severely overweight and interested in massive weight loss surgery, you probably have a number of questions and concerns. Below you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about gastric bypass surgery.
What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery refers to any surgical procedure that modifies the digestive system so that certain parts are "bypassed." During the digestive process, food passes from the stomach to the small intestine, and then into the large intestine. Most of the calories from the foods we eat are absorbed in the lower stomach and small intestine. Gastric bypass surgery limits the amount of calories that are absorbed in the stomach and small intestine.
What Is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?
Roux-en-Y is the most common form of bariatric surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon sections off portions of the stomach to create a small pouch using staples. Next, the small intestine is separated into two pieces, creating an upper half and a lower half. The lower half of the small intestine is then connected to the stomach pouch. As a result, consumed food will bypass the lower stomach and the duodenum area of the small intestine where the majority of the calories are absorbed. Finally, the top section of the small intestine is reconnected to an area on the lower small intestine near the large intestine so that digestive juices from the stomach can enter the system. The result is a Y-shaped connection point, which is what gives the procedure its name.
What Are the Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery?
As with any major surgical procedure, gastric bypass surgery has risks. Because it is a serious operation, complications can be life-threatening. Severe complications such as staple line failure or leakage of stomach acid may require the patient to undergo an additional surgery. Patients may also develop chronic and iron deficiency anemia or osteoporosis because digested food is routed away from the duodenum where iron and calcium are absorbed into the body.
