FAQs About Gastric Bypass Surgery

BY Tarek Waked

Helping patients make an informed decision about bariatric surgery

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery - or surgical weight loss – can be life changing. Making a choice about which specific surgical procedure to pursue is another significant part of a patient’s weight loss journey.

At Beebe’s Center for Weight Loss Surgery, your physician and care team will offer recommendations based on your health status and weight loss goals. It’s very beneficial to fully understand your surgical options. It is important that you learn about how the various bariatrics procedures work, who is eligible, what the lifestyle requirements are, and what you can expect in terms of long-term outcomes.

Continue reading to learn about one of the most common procedures – gastric bypass – and get answers to some of the most frequently asked patient questions.

What is gastric bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass, also known as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, is one of the most common bariatric procedures performed. A small pouch is formed from the stomach and is directly connected to the small intestine. As you swallow food, it routes to the small pouch, bypassing most of the stomach and working its way instead to the small intestine. As a result, the amount of food you can consume, and your body’s ability to absorb calories, is greatly limited.

Who is the ideal candidate for the gastric bypass procedure?

Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher are typically eligible for gastric bypass surgery. Those with a BMI in the 35 to 40 range, but with obesity-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, may also be considered.

In some cases, patients with a BMI in the 30 to 35 range with uncontrollable Type 2 diabetes may also be eligible for this procedure.

What lifestyle changes are patients expected to make following gastric bypass surgery?

Surgery is a tool to support patients as they commit to making permanent lifestyle changes, in order to lose weight and live a happier and healthier life.

Following surgery, it is recommended that patients do the following:

Consume a high-protein, low-sugar diet.
Maintain a lifelong regime of daily vitamins and mineral supplements.
Stay hydrated with plenty of water intake (at least 64 ounces per day).
Do daily physical activity, such as walks, using the stairs instead of elevators, going dancing with friends, or doing low impact aerobics.

How long does it take to recover from gastric bypass surgery?

Recovery is a personal journey, and every patient is a little different when it comes to the timeframe for getting back to normal routines. Generally speaking, patients can expect to spend one night in the hospital following surgery, and it is recommended that most take anywhere from a few days to two weeks off work, depending on the nature and physical demands of their job.

The weeks following surgery are also crucial as patients carefully and gradually re-introduce different food textures. The Beebe care team will guide and support you throughout this recovery journey!

What are the expected results from gastric bypass surgery?

Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery typically lose about 60-90% of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months. Many experience a drastic shift in their overall health and wellness, with the ability to reduce or eliminate Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

In addition to reduced risk of obesity-related health issues, most patients experience an increase in physical activity and find that their self-esteem and confidence is boosted.