What is Gastric By-Pass Surgery?
The stomach is divided into two parts by means of automatic devices called staplers, in such a way as to leave a stomach volume equal to the volume of a medium-sized tangerine. This small stomach part is then connected to a point 2 meters ahead of the small intestine. By this way the possible food intake is limited because the stomach can be filled with contents of 25-30 ml. Moreover, since foods will be delivered to a point 2 meters ahead of the small intestine, the absorption of foods will be reduced by 30%. By this means, a weight loss is achieved.
Its advantages:
- Fast weight loss.
- Weight loss that can continue for a period up to 2 years after surgery.
- Very low possibility to regain weight in the long term after surgery.
Its complications:
General complications
- Allergic reaction due to drugs
- Transmission of diseases due to blood transfusion
- Heart attack, renal failure, urinary tract infection, pulmonary (lung) infection.
- Rarely death (0,2%)
Complications specific to the procedure
- Organ injury during surgery
- Leakage from the stapler line (0,5-7%)
- Stenosis in the gastro-intestinal connection
- Dehydration
- Gastric ulcer
- Increased risk of gallstone formation due to fast weight loss
- Dumping syndrome (vomiting, reflux, diarrhea)