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RenY Gastric Bypass

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as the sleeve gastrectomy, reduces the size of your upper stomach to a small pouch about the size of an egg.

The small intestine is divided about 18 inches below the stomach, and is re-arranged so as to provide an outlet to the small stomach and maintain the flow of digestive juices.

The lower part of the stomach is “bypassed”, and food enters the second part of the small bowel within about 10 minutes of the start of your meal. Food intake is restricted and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs is reduced.

The result is a very early sense of fullness, followed by a profound sense of satisfaction. Even though the food portion size may be small, you won’t feel hungry or feel like you’ve been deprived. You’ll continue to enjoy food, you’ll just consume a lot less.

How To Prepare

After you complete your initial consultation with one of the surgeons at the Center, and you remain a potential candidate for surgery, you’ll be asked to undergo a series of diagnostic tests and consultations to make sure that you will do well with the surgery. The nurse will go over with you in detail the tests and consultations you’ll need to undergo prior to surgery, and you can arrange with your primary care provider to have the tests done.

Results

Gastric bypass surgery facilitates weight loss in two ways: It dramatically restricts the amount of food the patient can or desires to eat, and it decreases the number of calories absorbed. As a result of undergoing the procedure, you can expect to lose a significant amount of weight. In addition, weight-related health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes may be partially or totally relieved. You’ll feel a new sense of pride in your appearance and a motivation to stay on an exercise regimen and general wellness program.

How It Works?

FAQ

What to Expect

Generally, you’ll go home one to two days after surgery, follow a liquid diet for the first week or two, then soft foods after that. You’ll be given medications to take as directed for pain and acid reflux. You should be back to work and non-strenuous physical activity about a week after the procedure. Although most patients have a very smooth recovery, yours may not be the same as other patients. For example, you may experience regurgitation, nausea, acid reflux, constipation, or diarrhea. While these are generally normal, be sure to inform your doctor if any of these occur.

Risks

Laparoscopic gastric bypass can be performed on almost all obese patients. However, patients who have had previous open operations in the upper abdomen, especially on the stomach, may not be the best candidates for this type of procedure.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that can occur. Although these problems rarely occur, we want you to be aware of them. The Khalili Center team is committed to providing you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision about whether this option—or another procedure—is right for you.