Gastric Bypass surgery is the most popular method of “weight loss surgery” in the world. A mix of restrictive and malabsorptive surgery, Gastric Bypass reduces the volume of the stomach and connects it to the bowel. A part of the stomach and duodenum are isolated from the passage of food, which helps the weight loss process.

Who can undergo Gastric Bypass?
Obese people with Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40 or people with BMI over 35 with medical prescription and associated diseases as diabetes, high blood pressure, and so on.

What is BMI?
It is the abbreviation for Body Mass Index obtained through the following calculation: BMI = weight ÷ (height X height).

How does Gastric Bypass work?
Gastric Bypass can be made with or without ring. The procedure can be laparoscopic (little orifices) or through an abdominal incision (between 10 and 15 cm). A new and small stomach is constructed (gastroplasty), and a contention ring is placed to direct the food to a loop of the small bowel. 

Does Gastric Bypass cause intolerance to sweets?
The patient may experience intolerance to sweet and fatty foods, known as Dumping Syndrome. To prevent unpleasant symptoms, the patient will have a moderate dietary restriction.

What are the benefits of Gastric Bypass?
The patient becomes satiated with a small amount of food and experiences quick weight loss (around 70 percent of excess weight), resulting in excellent resolution of associated diseases. 

Surgical time: Two hours

Anesthesia: General

Hospitalization: Three days

Post-surgical care: Liquid diet followed by gruel in the first 30 days under medical supervision.

Special care: Regular medical care; multidisciplinary treatment with a psychologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist, and physical educator; change in lifestyle; and dietary re-education.