What is gastric bypass surgery in Fairfax and how does it work? This weight loss surgery can be highly effective for patients with obesity. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is a type of bariatric surgery. During the surgery, a provider makes changes to your stomach and small intestine. This changes the way that you absorb and digest food. Gastric bypass surgery aids weight loss in several ways.
First, it restricts the amount of food your stomach can hold. It also limits the number of calories and nutrients your body absorbs. Finally, it changes your gut hormones to help you feel fuller, longer. This contributes to appetite suppression and the reversal of obesity caused metabolic syndrome.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass 
Roux-en-Y is considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery. In fact, it is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the world. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small stomach pouch, about the size of an egg, by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. Then, the small intestine is divided as well.
The bottom end of the small intestine is brought up and connected to the new stomach pouch. Likewise, the top portion is connected the small intestine further down, so that the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the first portion of the small intestine will eventually mix with the food.
Benefits
There are many benefits of gastric bypass. These include:
- Great short term weight loss (60-80% of excess weight)
- Long lasting results. Studies show that most patients maintain more than 50% of their excess weight loss even as long as 20 years after surgery.
- Excellent resolution of obesity related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and more.
Is Gastric Bypass Surgery in Fairfax Right for Me?
If you are considering weight loss surgery, gastric bypass may be the right choice. To learn more, please contact Maryland Bariatrics to schedule a consultation.
