Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass, specifically the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), is one of the most commonly performed and effective types of bariatric surgery. It is primarily used to treat severe obesity and related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea. This procedure works by both restricting food intake and reducing nutrient absorption, making it a combined restrictive and malabsorptive weight-loss surgery.

In a gastric bypass, the surgeon creates a small pouch from the upper part of the stomach, significantly limiting how much food the patient can eat. This pouch is then connected directly to the middle part of the small intestine (the jejunum), bypassing the rest of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine (duodenum). As a result, fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed, and hormonal changes in the gut further support weight loss and blood sugar control.

Patients typically lose a significant amount of weight after the procedure—often 60–80% of excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months. Gastric bypass is also well known for its ability to induce rapid remission of type 2 diabetes, often within days or weeks, even before major weight loss occurs. Additionally, many patients report improved quality of life, mobility, and self-esteem following surgery.

However, gastric bypass is a major surgery and comes with potential risks, including infection, bleeding, nutrient deficiencies (especially iron, calcium, vitamin B12), and a condition known as dumping syndrome, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, and weakness after eating sugary foods. Patients must commit to lifelong lifestyle changes, including a strict diet, regular exercise, and ongoing medical follow-up, to maintain health and prevent complications.