Gastric Bypass Surgery

Bariatric surgery is not right for everyone. To qualify for any type of bariatric surgery, a person must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 65
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher with an obesity-related health issue, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease
• Previously have been unsuccessful with other weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise

Additionally, because this surgery causes a lot of changes to a person’s body and lifestyle, we focus on your whole health, ensuring candidates are psychologically and emotionally prepared for surgery. Qualifying candidates include those who:

• Are committed to making lifelong lifestyle changes to lose and maintain their weight loss
• Do not have unrealistic expectations about their results after the surgery
• Do not have any untreated mental health conditions, such as substance use or eating disorders, that could affect recovery
• Fully understand the risks involved with bariatric surgery
• Understand that surgery is not a “quick fix” and requires dedication and work

Once you meet with a member of our bariatric services team and decide that gastric bypass surgery is right for you, there are a few things that take place before the operation, including:

• Evaluations of your heart and digestive systems
• Making arrangements to get home after surgery and recover at home
• Patient education classes on post-surgery diet and lifestyle requirements
• Pre-operative blood tests
• Psychological evaluation to ensure you’re mentally ready for surgery
• Review of current medications
• Review of instructions for surgery day prep, such as what to eat and drink

On the day of your surgery, you’ll check in at the hospital at your scheduled time. Your medical team will finish preparing you for surgery, complete any last-minute tests and answer any remaining questions you may have.

During the surgery, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia. Depending on your specific case, your bariatric surgeon will make a few small incisions for laparoscopic surgery or will create one larger incision for open surgery. They’ll then divide your stomach into two sections to create a small pouch, which will be your new stomach. Once completed, your surgeon will close your incision(s) and you’ll be brought back to the recovery room until you wake from anesthesia.

Bariatric surgery patients can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two days for pain management and to check for any complications.

It's important to understand that a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a significant change to your body's digestive system, which affects your entire body. Additionally, bariatric surgery requires several lifestyle changes that must be followed in order to be successful.

During the first few weeks after surgery, you’ll be advised on:

• Eating: Because your new stomach is so much smaller, it will only take a bit of food to become full. It's important not to overeat, as that can lead to nausea and vomiting.
• Exercise: As being physically active is a requirement after bariatric surgery, most patients can start light exercise and stretching a few days to a week after surgery, followed by more rigorous exercise four to six weeks post-operation.
• Fatigue: As your body heals from the surgery and gets used to eating less, it is not uncommon to experience tiredness for the first weeks after surgery.
• Foods: Stick to a clear liquid diet for the first few days after surgery and a completely liquid diet for two to three more weeks, allowing your new stomach to heal. Your doctor will advise you when it's safe to move to soft and pureed foods, followed by regular foods about three to four months post-surgery.
• Hydration: Drinking at least 64 ounces of fluids a day is required.
• Pain management: To help keep you as comfortable as possible, you’ll receive medications for a few days in the hospital after surgery, when pain and discomfort are greatest. When discharged, you’ll receive a prescription for pain medication to use as needed.

Your bariatric surgery team will provide you with guidance on what you need to do to prepare for your procedure. Much of this includes making certain lifestyle changes that will start to prepare your body for the changes to come and help you get familiar with the lifestyle changes required following your surgery, such as:

• Developing the habit of chewing food well before swallowing
• Hydrating with water and other clear liquids
• Limiting alcohol, soda and caffeine intake
• Joining a support group for bariatric surgery patients
• Practicing eating smaller food portions
• Quitting smoking
• Starting or continuing an exercise program
• Switching to a low-calorie, high-protein diet

Following your doctor’s guidance is the best way to support your lasting success.

Before your surgery, your bariatric surgical team will fully discuss what to expect when recovering from gastric bypass surgery.

Most patients will remain in the hospital for two to three days following surgery so they can be monitored for any complications and receive medications for pain management. Patients will also begin their clear liquid diet before leaving the hospital.

You should anticipate a few weeks of post-surgery recovery at home:

• Week one: You’ll be on a full liquid diet and will experience some pain. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications for you to take as needed during this time. You’ll also be asked to walk a bit during that week to help keep your blood circulating and help you recover faster. You’ll also have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon.
• Weeks two through five: Most patients can switch to soft and pureed foods and begin to incorporate a bit more physical activity. This is also the time when most patients can return to work, depending on how strenuous their job is. You’ll have another follow-up bariatric surgery appointment during this time as well.
• Approximately three months: You’ll start introducing solid foods with a focus on protein. You’ll also visit your doctor again for blood work and an examination.