Gastric bypass surgery

Need to know

• What happens during surgery? icon plus

  The gastric bypass involves stapling the stomach to produce a much smaller stomach, which will reduce from the size of the stomach from that of a Galia melon to the size of an egg. The second part of the operation involves bypassing the digestive secretions that are normally involved in absorption of foods.
  
  A loop of the small bowel is bought up to the new small stomach and connected to this. This new configuration bypasses the digestive secretions for half of the bowel length. Eventually food and secretions will remix half way down the bowel.
  
  The procedure is under general anaesthetic.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They'll let you know how to prepare, including any special dietary requirements in the days leading up to your procedure.
  
  Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll also let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

• After surgery icon plus

  The morning after surgery you should be able to walk around your private room, use the bathroom and shower. You should be able to sit comfortably and drink tea, smoothies or milk. Your pain should be well controlled with soluble painkillers.
  
  Some patients will be keen to go home the day after surgery but most will prefer to stay and relax in the hospital and return home after the second night.
  
  You will need to take 1 or 2 weeks off work.