Gastric Bypass

            The Gastric Bypass was first performed in the Unites States in 1966.  Since then, several improvements to the procedure have been made including the ability to perform the operation laparoscopically.  The Gastric Bypass induces weight loss by two very independent processes. 
            The Gastric Bypass involves remodeling the stomach into a small pouch.  Once the size of a small football, the stomach will become the approximate size of a medicine cup (1 oz.).  Nothing is removed from the body.  The remaining stomach is left in its normal position with its normal blood supply, and will function as it did before surgery.  The only difference will be that the stomach enzymes will not meet with food until farther down the intestinal tract.  The new, smaller, stomach pouch will restrict how much you are able to eat.  Early satiety and forced portion control will not only lessen caloric intake, it will help teach your body and mind better eating habits.
            The Gastric Bypass also induces weight loss by malabsorption.  The “Y” of Roux-en-Y actually represents how the small intestine is reconstructed.  The digestive enzymes travel down one side, the food down the other, and they meet at the stem of the  “Y” for absorption in the mid-portion of the small intestine.  When the food “bypasses” much of the stomach and a length of small intestine, fewer calories are absorbed.
        Remarkably, for many patients, the Gastric Bypass results in immediate improvement, and often resolution, of Diabetes. Independent of weight loss, it is the bypass of the first portion of the small intestine, or Duodenum, that has proven to be the reason for this incredible response. In fact, many patients will discontinue their Diabetic medications at the time of hospital discharge, and never need to resume them.