Gastric Bypass

Excess weight is a serious problem that threatens our health. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer are closely linked to obesity. If you want to get rid of excess weight and take a step toward a healthier life, gastric bypass surgery can be an effective solution.

A Life Health Group has an experienced team of general surgery specialists who are experts in gastric bypass surgery. The procedures are performed using advanced technology and modern methods with a laparoscopic (closed) technique, allowing our patients to benefit from smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery process.

In this article, you can find everything you want to know about gastric bypass surgery — from how the procedure is performed and who it is suitable for, to its risks, benefits, and the privileges offered by A Life Health Group.

Gastric bypass surgery is a surgical procedure that helps with weight loss by both reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the small intestine. This allows you to eat less while also decreasing the absorption of the food you consume.

The surgery is performed in two stages:

Stomach Reduction: The upper part of the stomach is turned into a small pouch (approximately 30 ml in volume). This pouch corresponds to about 1% of the normal stomach size.

Intestinal Connection: A section of the small intestine is cut and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch. In this way, food bypasses most of the stomach and the initial part of the small intestine, reaching the further sections of the small intestine directly.

Gastric bypass is an irreversible surgery and is a highly effective method for weight loss.

Gastric bypass surgery may be suitable for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (morbid obesity)
• Those with a BMI between 35–40 who also have serious obesity-related health problems (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease)
• Individuals who have tried other weight loss methods but have not been successful
• Those who understand and accept the risks of surgery
• Individuals who can adapt to lifestyle changes after surgery
• Those who are psychologically prepared for the surgery

Before the surgery, your doctor will perform a detailed evaluation, request the necessary tests, and determine whether the operation is suitable for you.

Gastric bypass surgery provides numerous benefits for individuals struggling with obesity and obesity-related health conditions:

• Significant weight loss: After gastric bypass surgery, patients may lose about 70–80% of their excess weight.
• Improved diabetes control: Most patients with type 2 diabetes can stop taking diabetes medications or reduce their dosage after surgery. In some cases, diabetes may completely resolve.
• Improvement in other obesity-related health problems: Conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint pain, and heart disease risk may improve.
• Enhanced quality of life: Weight loss and the improvement of health problems increase patients’ energy levels, boost their self-confidence, and enable them to live a more active life.
• Long-term effectiveness: Gastric bypass is an effective method for achieving sustained weight loss and long-term health benefits.

Like any surgical procedure, gastric bypass surgery carries certain risks. These may include:

• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after surgery.
• Infection: An infection may develop at the surgical site.
• Gastric leak: Leakage may occur at the connection points of the stomach pouch.
• Pulmonary embolism: Blood clots from the legs may travel to the lungs.
• Anesthesia-related complications: Allergic reactions or breathing problems may occur due to anesthesia.
• Dumping syndrome: Rapid emptying of the stomach can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and dizziness.
• Gallstones: The risk of developing gallstones may increase after surgery.
• Gastric stricture: Narrowing of the stomach pouch may lead to difficulty swallowing.
• Reflux: Stomach acid may flow back into the esophagus.
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: The body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals may decrease.

These risks can be minimized when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon and when patients strictly follow postoperative medical instructions.

Gastric bypass surgery is usually performed using a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) technique. In this method, small incisions are made in the abdominal area, and thin, long instruments along with a camera are inserted through these openings. The surgeon performs the operation by viewing the internal structures on a monitor.

During the surgery, the upper part of the stomach is turned into a small pouch, and a section of the small intestine is connected to this pouch. The procedure typically takes about 1–2 hours to complete.

After the surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for 1–2 days. During the first few days, a liquid diet is followed. Gradually, pureed foods and solid foods are added to the diet.

In the postoperative period, it is important to follow the dietary plan, engage in regular exercise, and use vitamin and mineral supplements. Additionally, attending regular doctor check-ups and following the physician’s recommendations are crucial for long-term success.

A Life Health Group has an experienced team of general surgery specialists who are experts in Gastric Bypass surgery. Performed using advanced technology and modern techniques, the surgeries are carried out laparoscopically (minimally invasive), allowing our patients to benefit from smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery process.

Advantages We Offer for Gastric Bypass at A Life:

• Experienced and Expert Team: A multidisciplinary team of general surgery specialists, endocrinologists, dietitians, and psychologists, specialized in metabolic surgery, supports you before, during, and after the surgery.
• Advanced Technology: Our hospitals use operating rooms and laparoscopic surgical equipment with the latest technology.
• Personalized Treatment: The most suitable metabolic surgery method is determined according to your needs and health condition.
• Comprehensive Follow-Up: Regular postoperative check-ups and lifestyle counseling ensure long-term success.
• Patient-Centered Approach: You are supported throughout the treatment process, and all your questions are answered.