Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypas (RYGB))

How gastric bypass surgery works

Your surgeon employs surgical staples to create a compact pouch at the upper section of your stomach, linking it to the lower part of your small intestine. As a result, the food you consume takes a direct route into your lower small intestine, bypassing the remainder of your stomach and the upper segment of your small intestine.

This surgical approach facilitates weight loss through three primary mechanisms:

Restriction:

The reduced size of your new stomach pouch limits the amount of food you can intake. This restriction naturally curtails your ability to consume as much as before, promoting a sense of fullness with smaller meals.

Malabsorption:

By rerouting the digestive path, fewer calories are absorbed as your food encounters a smaller portion of your small intestine. This intentional malabsorption contributes to the overall calorie deficit, a key factor in achieving weight loss goals.

Deterrent (Dumping Syndrome):

The procedure acts as a deterrent to excessive sugar consumption. If you indulge in large amounts of sugar, your body responds by producing an excess of insulin. This can lead to an unpleasant phenomenon known as ‘dumping syndrome,’ characterized by symptoms like lightheadedness and nausea. As a result, there is a natural inclination to avoid excessive sugar intake.

In essence, gastric bypass surgery is a multifaceted approach that combines restriction, malabsorption, and a built-in deterrent to foster effective and sustained weight loss. This intricate process, orchestrated by the surgical staples and reconfiguration of the digestive system, serves as a powerful tool in helping individuals achieve their weight loss objectives.

What to expect during gastric bypass surgery

Embarking on the path of gastric bypass surgery involves careful preparation, a skilled medical team, and a commitment to postoperative recovery. We’ll provide an in-depth overview of what to expect during gastric bypass surgery, including the key players in your medical team, the preoperative process, the surgery itself, and the postoperative care.

Who Will Be Involved?

Alongside your bariatric surgeon, several healthcare professionals will play crucial roles in your gastric bypass journey:

1. Dietitian: A dietitian will engage with you to discuss dietary considerations before and after the surgery, ensuring a well-rounded approach to nutrition to support your weight loss goals.
2. Clinical Nurse Specialist: This specialist will provide comprehensive care and guidance, offering support and information throughout the various stages of your surgery and recovery.
3. Anaesthetist: Responsible for administering anesthesia during the operation, the anaesthetist plays a vital role in ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
4. Psychologist: Emotional well-being is a key aspect of the gastric bypass process. A psychologist may be involved to address the emotional aspects of the surgery and provide support tailored to your individual needs.

Before Surgery:

Before the surgery, a thorough assessment will be conducted to ensure your fitness for the operation. This may involve blood tests, X-rays, and scans. Your bariatric surgeon will explain the surgery and discuss the long-term outlook. Weight loss and adherence to a specific diet, low in carbohydrates and fats, may be advised to reduce the size of your liver, facilitating keyhole surgery.

Day of Surgery:

You’ll be admitted to the hospital either the day before or on the day of the procedure. Fasting for several hours is required, but clear liquids can be consumed until two hours before the operation. If any medication adjustments are necessary, your doctor will provide guidance. This pre-surgery period is an opportunity to address questions and concerns.

During the Surgery:

Gastric bypass is a major operation performed under general anesthesia. Typically conducted through laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, your surgeon will make small incisions, use a camera and instruments, and employ surgical staples to create a walnut-sized pouch at the top of your stomach. The small intestine is then rearranged to achieve the desired bypass. The procedure generally takes between one and three hours.

Pain and Recovery:

Post-surgery, some discomfort is normal, and you’ll be provided with pain relief. The hospital stay usually ranges from two to five nights, during which compression stockings or blood-thinning medication may be prescribed to reduce the risk of complications. Your release will be contingent on completing a normal swallow test and initiating your diet plan.

Postoperative Support:

Having someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few days post-surgery can be beneficial during the initial recovery period.

At KCM clinic, we provide all required diagnostic tests and consultations with specialist Doctors as part of our medical package to patients, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs resulting in high gastric bypass cost abroad. In addition to the above tests, you will be required to follow a special pre-operative diet in the week preceding the surgery.

This pre-operative diet helps reduce your stomach and liver volume for a more comfortable surgery and recovery (post surgery rehabilitation). The diet is strictly for the week before surgery and should be stopped immediately after the operation.

Why Is A Diet Necessary?

The pre-surgery weight loss diet is essential because it is low in fat and carbohydrate content, helping reduce your glycogen levels. Glycogen is an energy-giving sugar variant stored in the liver. For best results, you avoid heavy meals in the week preceding your surgery to avoid a reduction in the operative diet’s efficacy.

In addition to special diets, the following guidelines help prepare you for gastric bypass surgery:

• There should be no intake of caffeinated drinks (coffee and energy drinks) at least a week before your surgery date.
• Eating is not allowed on the day of the surgery; only water may be ingested.
• Your dietary intake in the week leading up to the surgery should be liquid only, such as soups and puddings. This may also include vegetables and fruits, but you should avoid eating foods rich in fats and carbohydrates.

Recovering from gastric bypass surgery

Recovering from gastric bypass surgery is a gradual process that involves both physical and lifestyle adjustments. We’ll help you to explore the recovery timeline, aftercare procedures, ongoing treatment, and potential side effects, providing insights to help you navigate this transformative journey.

Recovery Time:

You can anticipate a return to your normal activities around six weeks after following a controlled diet. However, the initial months post-surgery may bring changes as your body adapts to rapid weight loss. These changes may include aches, tiredness, dry skin, feeling cold, thinning hair, and mood fluctuations. Over the first three to six months, these symptoms tend to diminish, with significant weight loss typically occurring around two years after surgery.

Aftercare and Ongoing Treatment:

Your recovery care involves comprehensive elements, including:

• Pain Relief: Adequate pain relief will be provided to manage postoperative discomfort.
• Medication Review: Evaluation of medicines for weight-related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Diet Plan: A carefully controlled diet plan, transitioning from liquids to solids over the first four to six weeks, with ongoing advice on eating habits and portion sizes.
• Exercise Plan: Guidance on an exercise plan to support weight loss and enhance fitness.
• Blood Tests: Regular blood tests to assess the need for vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Discharge Medication: This may include vitamin D, calcium, multivitamins, vitamin B12, and Lansoprazole.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Lifestyle After Treatment:

• Long-Term Changes: Gastric bypass surgery doesn’t eliminate cravings or the ability to eat unhealthy food, necessitating a commitment to long-term lifestyle changes.
• Eating Guidelines: Eating restrictions persist until you’ve had an X-ray and swallow test. A dietitian will provide a detailed plan for the weeks following surgery.
• Postoperative Care: Following surgery, wear compression stockings for two weeks to prevent blood clot formation. Showering is allowed, but bathing is restricted for a week. Clean and dry dressings are essential.
• Return to Work and Driving: Depending on the job’s strenuousness, return to work typically occurs between two to four weeks, with driving permitted after two weeks (subject to insurance policies).

Nutritional Considerations:

• Protein Intake: As weight loss progresses, increased protein intake is crucial to maintain muscle mass and support a healthy metabolism.
• Hydration: Avoid drinking simultaneously with eating to prevent vomiting and dumping syndrome. Adequate water intake is essential to prevent constipation.

Potential Complications and Travel:

• Travel Precautions: Consult your doctor before plane travel within a few months post-surgery to address potential complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Personal Well-Being

• Sexual Activity: Resumption of sexual activity is individualized, but pregnancy is advised against during the first 12 to 18 months post-surgery due to potential nutritional deficiencies.

Side Effects and Results:

• Temporary Side Effects: Hair thinning and dry skin may occur temporarily but usually improve with time.
• Post-Operative Symptoms: In the first three to six months, expect body aches, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, feeling cold, and mood changes.
• Weight Loss Expectations: Weight loss depends on lifestyle changes, with up to 90% of excess weight loss achievable within one year.

Can Your Stomach Grow Back After Gastric Bypass?

Yes, your stomach can grow back even after getting a gastric bypass. This is because your stomach is built to accommodate your food intake. All you have to do is return to old feeding habits to increase or stretch your stomach after bariatric surgery. 

Where Is The Cheapest Place To Get A Gastric Bypass?

Poland is one of the few European countries where you can get gastric bypass done at affordable prices. KCM Clinic offers affordable gastric bypass surgery (bariatric surgery) packages to both local and international patients. Most Patients choose to come to UK for the Gastric Bypass.

How Much Is A Gastric Bypass In UK?

Gastric Bypass Surgery in UK costs varies and may be anywhere between €5500 to €6500. This fee covers consultation, hospital stay, pre-surgical tests, surgery fees, and anaesthetics. It does not include the costs of accommodation in the Hotel before Hospital admission and after hospital discharge and the airport pickup fees.