The gastric bypass is a type of weight loss surgery that has great results. First, the small intestine is divided creating the “Y” portion of the procedure. The stomach is then divided and a small gastric pouch is created at the top of the stomach, disconnecting it from the rest of the stomach. Finally, the “roux” limb is brought up and connected to the new small gastric pouch completing the procedure.
The gastric bypass works well for weight loss in several ways. First, similar to most bariatric procedures, the newly created smaller stomach pouch significantly restricts meal size. This translates into fewer calories consumed. There is also less digestion of food by the smaller stomach pouch. A segment of the small intestine that would normally absorb calories no longer has food going through it, therefore there is some degree of malabsorption of calories and nutrients.
Most importantly, the rerouting of the food stream produces changes in metabolism, especially in the gut. The gut hormone ghrelin, which is often labeled a hunger hormone, is produced in the stomach. This procedure reduces the production of ghrelin. Less ghrelin production leads to a decrease in appetite and hunger cravings.
Patients experience a high rate of weight loss success with a Gastric Bypass and have tremendous long-term success.