The Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is widely considered the gold standard in weight loss surgery. Patients who undergo this surgery can experience a range of benefits, including:

• Weight loss: On average, patients lose about 70 percent of their excess body weight in the first 18 months of surgery. In some cases, you can lose up to 90 percent of excess weight.
• Increased life expectancy: Studies show that bariatric surgery and the resulting weight loss can reduce the relative risk of death by up to 89 percent.
• Fewer health issues: Losing weight can reduce your risk of developing a range of cardiovascular, endocrine, infectious, psychiatric, and mental disorders.
• Reduced dependency on medications: Many bariatric surgery patients no longer need medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Increased energy and fewer health complications after significant weight loss can dramatically increase your overall quality of life. In fact, about 95 percent of laparoscopic gastric bypass patients report a significant improvement in their quality of life a year after surgery. 

When diet and exercise are not enough to reach your goals, gastric bypass surgery can help you lose excess weight and live a healthier life.

How the Procedure Works

There are two aspects to gastric bypass which work together to provide significant results. First, Dr. Hidalgo will create a smaller stomach pouch by dividing the upper area of the stomach from the rest of the organ. Typically, the new stomach pouch holds about an ounce, limiting the amount of food you can consume at a time.

Next, Dr. Hidalgo will divide the small intestine, bypassing the stomach and a portion of the gastrointestinal tract completely. He will then attach the top portion of the intestine further down to allow stomach acids and digestive enzymes to mix with the food you eat. This process lessens the number of calories and nutrients your body absorbs. 

Rerouting the food stream also alters the hormones in your gut to promote feelings of satiety and decrease hunger. At our bariatric center, our doctors are trained to perform gastric bypass using laparoscopic surgical techniques. Instead of creating a single large incision, Dr. Hidalgo will create several small incisions, which allows for a more comfortable and less invasive procedure. All of our bariatric surgeries are performed under the supervision of our skilled anesthesiologists, Dr. Edgar Ortiz and Dr. Alejandra Ascencio, to ensure remain relaxed and comfortable during treatment. 

Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

When diet and exercise are not enough to reach your goals, gastric bypass surgery could help you lose excess weight and live a healthier life. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized bariatric care at affordable prices. For more information about gastric bypass, read answers to frequently asked questions, contact our office online, or call (818) 949-6911 to speak with a member of our team today.