GASTRIC BYPASS (GBP)

The Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass operation was first performed in 1994.  In 2002, Dr. Chiasson began his weight loss surgery practice built around the Gastric Bypass operation.  Since then, he has expanded his practice to include both the traditional proximal gastric bypass and the distal gastric bypass procedures.

What is the Gastric Bypass?

The Gastric Bypass is a Minimally Invasive surgical procedure.  This operation is performed using a laparoscopic technique.  Six small incisions are made that allow for the placement of a camera and instruments.  The top of the stomach is divided from the lower stomach creating a small pouch the size of a small lemon.  The small bowel is then rearranged in order to allow the small gastric pouch to empty the food and then mix with bile and juice from the pancreas downstream.

 

How does the Gastric Bypass work?

Gastric Bypass works by limiting the amount of food that one can eat. The ghrelin hormone is reduced because it is produced in the bypassed part of the stomach.  This hormone is associated with feeling hunger.  Thus, not only can the patient not eat as much, they also generally lose their appetite.

 

What should you expect after a Gastric Bypass?

The Gastric Bypass is generally performed as an in-patient procedure.  The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.  It takes about ninety minutes.  I use the latest pain control techniques to avoid pain following surgery.  In general, roughly 95% of patients are discharged the morning following their surgery with often very little discomfort. The majority of patients return to normal activities and work within a few weeks.

 

What advantages of the Gastric Bypass?

The Gastric Bypass is the best surgical weight loss operation for patients who have severe heartburn issues because the gastric pouch produces very little acid.  It also has a significant impact on the associated medical conditions associated with obesity and metabolic diseases such as high blood pressure, Fatty Liver, and Type II Diabetes.

 

How much weight loss is associated with Gastric Bypass?

The Gastric Bypass procedure has been extensively evaluated.  On average, patients who have this procedure will lose about 30-35% of their total body weight.

READY TO GET STARTED WITH DR. CHIASSON?

In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese. You are not alone and you do not need to feel any less of a person if you are overweight or obese. Take action now and increase your quality of life with Dr. Patrick Chiasson, the leading Tucson Bariatric Surgeon.