Gastric Bypass Surgery - Procedure, Benefits and Recovery

Procedure

1. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is performed in the following steps:
2. Firstly, the doctor will administer general anaesthesia before the surgery. It is to make the procedure painless Then, you will be shifted to the operation theatre.
3. The doctor will make minor cuts or incisions on your belly.
4. Then the doctor will insert a laparoscope and other surgery tools through these incisions.
5. Then, the surgeon will make a small stomach pouch using a laparoscopic stapler with the upper stomach.
6. The surgeon uses the stapler to divide the upper part of the small intestine into a tube with two ends.
7. Once done, one of the small intestines is brought up to the stomach pouch. A small connection (called anastomosis) is made between them. The other end of the tube is then connected to another part of the small intestine.
8. Once done, the surgeon will perform the endoscopy to test for any leak (if present).
9. Later, a laparoscope and other instruments are removed from the abdomen.
10. Finally, the surgeon stitches the cuts close that heals automatically over time.

What to expect before the surgery? 

1. The doctor will perform some tests and examinations to ensure the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the best option for you. The doctor will perform a physical, blood tests, and imaging test of your upper stomach and intestine. The doctor will also consider the medical history and family history before surgery. The doctor will explain how the surgery will be performed and the results you can expect. They will also prepare about the lifestyle changes you need to make and life after the surgery. 
2. The doctor advises you to stop smoking and drinking several months before the surgery. In addition, they will ask you to stop taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and other blood-thinning medications a week before the surgery. 
3. You may be given some medications to prepare for a bowel movement. You will be asked not to eat and drink anything after midnight before the surgery.

What to expect on the day of surgery? 

1. The surgery will be done at the hospital. Do not wear any jewellery while visiting the hospital for surgery. You should reach the hospital at the directed time. Once you reach the hospital, the doctor will ask you to change clothes and wear the hospital gown. Then, you will be taken to the operation theatre.

What to expect after the surgery?

1. Immediately after gastric bypass surgery, you may have liquids but no solid food as your stomach and intestines begin to heal.
2. You'll then follow a special diet plan that changes slowly from liquids to pureed foods.

The first follow up appointment 

1. The doctor will call you for the first follow-up after seven days of the discharge. They will perform some tests to ensure there are no complications and everything is fine. The doctor will prescribe you multivitamins, calcium supplements, iron supplements, and vitamin B-12. You will also have frequent medical follow up with a doctor for the first few weeks and months to monitor your health.
2. After that, you can eat soft foods, then move on to firmer foods as your body is able to tolerate them

1. Bowel obstruction.
2. Dumping syndrome
3. causing diarrhoea
4. nausea or vomiting.
5. Gallstones