If you're seeking a long-term solution to weight loss and better health, gastric bypass surgery might be the right path for you. This procedure helps reduce excess weight and can improve conditions related to obesity. With personalized care and guidance, you can begin your journey toward a healthier, more active life.
Gastric bypass surgery can help you achieve lasting weight loss and better health. At AnMed in Anderson, we support you every step of the way for a smooth, successful journey.
What Is Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, changes how your stomach and, in some cases, your small intestine work. This reduces calorie intake and absorption. Bariatric surgery not only makes your stomach smaller but also changes hormones that control hunger. This helps you feel full sooner and eat less.
Different bariatric surgeries offer varying success rates:
- Gastric bypass: 71% of excess weight loss at three years.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: 66% of excess weight loss at three years.
- Adjustable gastric banding: 55% of excess weight loss at three years.
What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a procedure that reshapes your digestive system to promote weight loss. A surgeon creates a small stomach pouch using a stapling device, reducing how much food you can hold. Then, they attach the lower portion of your small intestine to this pouch, bypassing part of your stomach and upper small intestine. This limits both food intake and calorie absorption, leading to significant weight loss.
Gastric bypass also alters hunger-related hormones, so you naturally feel less hungry.
Who Can Benefit from Gastric Bypass?
You may be a good candidate if:
- Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher.
- Your BMI is 35 or higher and you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- You've struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
Benefits of Gastric Bypass
At AnMed in Anderson, you can experience:
- Major weight loss over time.
- Better control or resolution of obesity-related conditions.
- Increased energy and improved mobility.
- A healthier, more active lifestyle.
Pros & Cons of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Pros
- Faster weight loss than other bariatric procedures.
- Considered the gold standard for treating severe obesity.
- Surgeons can reverse the procedure in rare cases of severe complications.
- Leads to long-term, sustainable weight loss.
Cons
- Higher risk of bleeding due to the two-step process.
- Longer recovery compared to other weight loss surgeries.
- Dumping syndrome is more likely, causing undigested food to move too fast into the small intestine.
- Greater risk of malabsorption, requiring lifelong vitamin supplements.
- You won't be able to take NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
What to Expect
- How long is recovery?
- Most people stay in the hospital for 1-2 days and return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks.
- Will I need to change my diet?
- Yes, you'll follow a structured eating plan, starting with liquids and gradually adding solid foods.
- How much weight will I lose?
- Most people lose 60-80% of their excess weight within two years.
- Are there risks?
- Like any surgery, there are risks, including infection or nutrient deficiencies. Our expert team provides ongoing care to reduce risks and keep you healthy.
Why Choose AnMed in Anderson?
At AnMed, we focus on your success with:
- Personalized consultations and evaluations.
- Expert surgical care with advanced techniques.
- Ongoing support, including nutrition counseling and follow-up care.