Patients who choose a gastric bypass will go through our holistic program to determine if they are a good candidate. Our surgical team, a nutritionist, a fitness consultant, and a clinical psychologist will meet with the patient to work through the weight loss journey before and after surgery. When it is time for surgery, the patient will be given general anesthesia and the surgeon will make a series of small incisions for medical tools and the laparoscopic camera. The surgeon will inspect the stomach. They will use a surgical stapler to divide the stomach into a small pouch section which will hold a few ounces of food. Then they will incision into the jejunum and connect it to the stomach pouch. A large portion of the stomach, the entire duodenum, and a portion of the jejunum will be bypassed to give less surface area for calorie and nutrition absorption. The surgeon will need only a few stitches to close the incisions. This type of surgery takes less than four hours and recovery in the hospital is slightly longer than the gastric sleeve. After the procedure, patients will be monitored by our medical staff, nutritionist, and fitness consultant and have the option to participate in a therapeutic support group. Bariatric surgery is a body-altering decision, and patients face risks similar to other general anesthesia surgeries. Our medical staff can review those risks with you.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
As “gastric bypass” implies, this surgical procedure routes food past most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. The stomach is modified into a small upper pouch so that only a small amount of food can be eaten at one time.
In addition to restricting food intake, a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reduces nutrient absorption. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is considered to be one of the most popular and successful bariatric procedures. It has long been known as the ‘gold standard’ of all bariatric procedures. Weight loss is typically dramatic, and co-morbidities can be reduced by 80-90%. This procedure is performed laparoscopically.
If you’re looking for medical weight loss options or want to see if you are a candidate for gastric bypass, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
What is the da Vinci Surgical System?
The da Vinci system facilitates minimally invasive surgery using robotic-assisted surgical arms and a 3D high-definition camera. The system allows the surgeon to perform your gastric bypass procedure with enhanced vision, precision, and control. The surgeon sits at a nearby computer console viewing a 3D high-definition image of the inside of your body while performing the surgery. The da Vinci Surgical System translates his hand and wrist motions into smaller, ultra-precise movements of the tiny surgical instruments inside your body.
Who Qualifies for a Robotic Gastric Bypass?
You’re a likely candidate if other weight loss efforts have been unsuccessful, your body mass index (BMI) is over 40, or if your BMI is between 35 and 39.9 and you have a serious health problem as a result of your obesity. In order to qualify for laparoscopic gastric bypass, not only will your body be evaluated by our physicians but your mental and psychological well-being will be taken into account, too.
Why are Gastric Bypasses Used?
Weight loss surgery is designed to help those who have not been able to lose weight even though they have taken traditional steps such as exercising and healthy eating. People with a higher body mass index, or BMI, usually around 40, and those who have a threatening or chronic disorder related to their weight, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, are good candidates for the procedure. Gastric bypass is meant to work in conjunction with healthy dieting and exercise. The patient must learn to control food portions and increase activity levels to truly benefit from the procedure.
What Can I Expect After Bypass Surgery?
After surgery, patients may experience some discomfort in the stomach region which is treated with prescription medications. Patients will need to eat much smaller portions of food, much more slowly as the stomach will have dramatically reduced in size. The recovery time will be much quicker than with traditional surgery when using this laparoscopic procedure. However, patients will still have to take it easy in the week following surgery. The doctor will provide patients with specific instructions regarding what and how to eat after the surgery. Initially, patients should eat soft food and liquids to allow the stomach to heal. As time proceeds, solid foods can be brought back into the diet and patients will now have to remember to chew their food well and stop eating when they are full.
When Is a Gastric Bypass Needed?
The process of losing weight can be frustrating for someone with a few pounds to lose, and a seemingly insurmountable task for someone whose life is in danger as a result of obesity. If you’ve been struggling with your weight and, despite your best efforts, haven’t seen a noticeable change, talk to the doctors at MIIS Weight Loss Institute to see if laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is right for you.
What Is the Difference Between a Gastric Sleeve and Robotic Gastric Bypass?
The main differences between a sleeve gastrectomy and a bypass gastrectomy are the reshaping of the stomach and the technical procedures to complete the surgery. During a gastric bypass, the doctor surgically reshapes the stomach into a smaller pouch shape and makes changes to the small intestine to connect to the smaller stomach section. The changes include bypassing a large portion of the stomach, the duodenum, and a portion of the jejunum sections of the intestines, which reduces the area for calorie absorption. The sleeve is different because it reshapes your stomach but does not bypass any portion of your intestinal tract. This allows for additional areas for nutritional absorption in the small intestines. Typically a bypass pouch will hold less food than the stomach area left by the sleeve procedure. Both procedures have similar weight loss results and long-term success at the 5-year mark. The sleeve is a newer innovation and studies are still being conducted. There are pros and cons to each and the surgical team can help answer those questions for you.
We take great pride in our patients’ experience. From the moment they schedule their consultation, to the day of surgery and thereafter; through one-on-one support with our medical team.
“The entire team at MIIS Weight Loss has been phenomenal. I am so thrilled to have my life back. I’ve lost 70 lbs in a little less than 5 months”. – Alisa Rayl
“Dr. Huguet and his team are wonderful! In the beginning, I was very nervous about expenses and going through the process of surgery, but with the organized help of Hannah and Gretchen, I know I am in good hands”. – Patricia Barry
“I had the Gastric bypass and feel great! The staff is great, and I am so grateful for a new lifestyle. I am very satisfied with my results”. – Rebecca Mercado
