Weight Management

• Introduction
• Complications
• Selected Links


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Gastric Bypass - Introduction

What is Gastric Bypass and what does it involve?
The gastric bypass operation is a combination of a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. It is a complex procedure requiring formation of a small gastric pouch using stapling devices to divide the upper stomach and produce a 20cc pouch. The upper part of the stomach is divided and joined onto the small bowel so that the main reservoir of the stomach is bypassed. A small amount of small bowel is also bypassed.

The hospital stay is 3 to 5 days. Fluid is started on the first postoperative day and built up to full diet by six weeks. Compared to the gastric band, there are serious albeit uncommon complications associated with this procedure. There is also a nutritional requirement of vitamins, Iron and calcium. The malabsorption is not as severe as with Biliopancreatic Diversion but can help maintain weight loss.

The duodenum and upper small bowel is bypassed. This can produce nutrient malabsorption and deficiency. Iron and calcium deficiencies are common and protein deficiency can occur. Supplements must be taken to prevent the metabolic effects.