What is a gastric bypass?

A gastric bypass is a type of bariatric weight loss procedure where the stomach and the digestive system are modified to limit food intake.

What does it consist of?

The gastric bypass procedure consists of sectioning the stomach leaving a 30 ml. reservoir, providing restriction for food consumption. Subsequently, the small intestine is divided and rearranged, activating the malabsorption mechanism, which further helps with weight loss.

Restricting the size of the stomach reduces the amount of food a person can eat, and it also reduces the amount of ghrelin, which is a hormone present in the stomach responsible for producing appetite. Also, the first part of the small intestine is bypassed, leading to a reduced absorption of the food you eat.

How is it performed?

Gastric bypass surgery is carried out through general anesthesia and with a minimally invasive approach, resulting in a fast recovery.
Laparoscopic procedures are minimally invasive techniques, this method uses several small incisions, rather than one large incision as in traditional surgery. Fiber optic cameras and specialized instruments are used to perform the procedure through these small incisions. This approach offers many benefits for the patient, such as:

• Less recovery time.
• Less scars.
• Less discomfort or pain.
• Quicker return to normal activities.

Duration of the procedure: Approximately 130 minutes.