Gastric bypass surgery, sometimes known as Roux-en-Y surgery, aims to reduce the amount of calories absorbed from your food, and help to make you feel full after eating smaller meals. It works by both restricting the capacity of your stomach and bypassing part of your digestive system. This type of weight loss surgery can help very overweight people lose a substantial amount of weight.
During the procedure staples are used to create a small compartment at the top of your stomach. A piece of your small intestine is then attached to this compartment, and bypasses the rest of your stomach and the upper part of the small intestine where most nutrients and calories are usually absorbed. The small top part of your stomach fills up quickly with food, giving you a sensation of fullness, and then passes directly to the middle part of your small intestine and through the rest of your digestive system. As the digestive system has effectively been made shorter you should absorb fewer calories.
About the gastric bypass procedure
Gastric bypass surgery can be performed as keyhole surgery or through an incision in your abdomen during an open operation, and takes two to three hours. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. You will normally need to stay in hospital for three to five days so we can look after you and make sure we are happy with everything before you go home.
Having gastric bypass surgery at a Spire hospital means you will be treated by an experienced bariatric (obesity) surgeon who will discuss your options and the best course of treatment for you before going ahead with surgery. Our team of dieticians and specialist nurses will look after you throughout your stay and provide support and advice after surgery.
You can expect to be treated in a premium private hospital at a location of your choice, and be safe in the knowledge that Spire is committed to your safety with exceptional healthcare standards and cleanliness.
To find out more about this procedure and to book a consultation, please contact your nearest Spire Hospital offering weight loss surgery.