The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass involves the stapling of a small section at the top of the stomach to create a small pouch, similar in size to the one formed by the Gastric Band. The first section of the small intestine is then bypassed and the intestine re-attached to the new pouch, allowing the stomach contents to empty directly into it. With the reduced food intake, less absorption of food in the intestine and some hormonal changes, weight loss after a Gastric Bypass can be rapid, especially in the first few months.

The Gastric Bypass operation is performed as a laparoscopy (keyhole technique) and takes about an hour and a half with a total hospital stay of 2-3 nights. It is a major operation and you would expect to be off work for around four to six weeks afterwards. There is a quoted 0.5% risk of dying during, or as a result of the Gastric Bypass operation, mainly due to the risk of developing blood clots, haemorrhage or leaks, so we take great care in minimising this risk with pre-op preparation for surgery and expert inpatient care.

As a result of both the weight loss and hormonal changes with a Gastric Bypass, many obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea etc often go into remission after surgery.

The Gastric Bypass cannot be reversed. After Gastric Bypass surgery, absorption of essential minerals and vitamins may be reduced so taking supplements and monitoring your nutritional status is an essential part of your long-term follow up care.

For more information as to whether Gastric Bypass surgery is right for you, call us on 0808 128 00 22, or click here