What Is Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass is a type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery that alters the process of digestion. Bariatric surgeries for weight loss are usually divided into three categories:

• Restrictive: Limits food intake by reducing stomach size
• Malabsorptive: Limits food absorption by bypassing parts of the small intestine
• Combination restrictive and malabsorptive

There are several types of gastric bypass procedures. All of them bypass (go past or around) the small intestine and some of them reduce stomach size. For that reason, all gastric bypass procedures are malabsorptive and some are a combination of malabsorptive and restrictive.

While malabsorptive procedures are more effective in contributing to weight loss than those that are solely restrictive, they also carry more risk for nutritional deficiencies.

Gastric Bypass: Conditions Treated

Gastric bypass can be very successful in treating obesity in patients that have not been able to lose weight through traditional methods. Learn more about gastric bypass: conditions treated.

Types of Gastric Bypass

There are several types of gastric bypass procedures. Your doctor will help determine which type of surgery is best for you based on your medical history and weight loss goals. Learn more about types of gastric bypass.

Gastric Bypass Surgery: What to Expect

Gastric bypass surgery can offer patients suffering from obesity a new lease on life. However, the surgery is only part of the equation. Successful outcomes from gastric bypass require an on-going, long-term commitment on the part of the patient. Learn more about the gastric bypass surgery procedure.

Risks of Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgeries can be extremely successful in helping patients who are suffering from obesity. Like all surgery, gastric bypass surgery involves some risks. Learn more about risks of gastric bypass.