How do you perform gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is one of the most effective weight loss surgeries. It is designed to help individuals with severe obesity achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. At the WA Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgical Centre, our experienced surgical team employs state-of-the-art techniques to ensure the safety and success of each procedure. Here, we outline the steps involved in performing gastric bypass surgery and explain how it works to aid in weight loss.
Preoperative Preparation
Before undergoing gastric bypass surgery, patients undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure they are suitable candidates for the procedure. This includes a comprehensive medical assessment, nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, and discussions about lifestyle changes required post-surgery. Patients may also need to follow a preoperative diet to reduce liver size and minimize surgical risks.
Anesthesia
On the day of surgery, the patient is administered general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure. This is critical in maintaining patient comfort and allowing the surgical team to operate precisely.
Laparoscopic Approach
At the WA Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgical Centre, we utilize a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach for gastric bypass surgery. This involves making several small incisions in the abdomen through which a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and other specialized surgical instruments are inserted. The laparoscopic technique offers several advantages, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and more minor scars compared to traditional open surgery.
Creation of the Small Stomach Pouch
The first significant step in gastric bypass surgery is the creation of a small stomach pouch. Using the laparoscopic instruments, the surgeon divides the top portion of the stomach from the rest, creating a small pouch about the size of an egg. This small pouch can hold only a limited amount of food, which helps patients feel full after consuming small portions.
Bypassing the Small Intestine
Next, the surgeon divides the small intestine. The lower part of the small intestine (the jejunum) is brought up and connected to the newly created stomach pouch. This rerouting bypasses a significant portion of the stomach and the first segment of the small intestine (the duodenum). The bypassed section of the stomach and duodenum continues to produce digestive juices, which flow further down into the remaining small intestine.
Connecting the Small Intestine
The surgeon then reconnects the bypassed section of the small intestine to a lower part of the small intestine (the ileum). This Y-shaped configuration allows digestive juices to mix with food at a later stage, ensuring proper digestion while reducing calorie and nutrient absorption. This digestive process alteration is crucial for weight loss and improving metabolic health.
Closure and Recovery
Once the rerouting is complete, the small incisions are closed using sutures or surgical staples. The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the patient’s anatomy and health conditions. After the surgery, the patient is closely monitored in recovery before being transferred to a hospital room.
Postoperative Care
Postoperative care is a critical component of successful gastric bypass surgery. At the WA Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgical Centre, we provide comprehensive care plans that include pain management, dietary guidelines, and physical activity recommendations. Initially, patients follow a liquid diet, gradually progressing to pureed foods and solid foods over several weeks. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress, address concerns, and adjust the care plan.
Long-term Success
The success of gastric sleeve surgery depends not only on the procedure itself but also on the patient’s commitment to making lifelong changes in diet and lifestyle. Patients are encouraged to participate in support groups, counseling, and regular check-ins with our multidisciplinary team, including dietitians, psychologists, and exercise specialists. This holistic approach helps patients achieve and maintain their weight loss goals, improving overall health and quality of life.
In conclusion, gastric bypass surgery at the WA Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgical Centre is a meticulously planned and executed procedure that involves the creation of a small stomach pouch and the rerouting of the small intestine. By reducing the stomach’s capacity and altering the digestive process, the surgery helps patients achieve significant weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions. Our dedicated team ensures that each patient receives personalized care and support throughout their weight loss journey, setting them up for long-term success.
