Gastric Bypass Surgery

What is Gastric Bypass surgery and how does it work?

Gastric bypass surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery that changes the way your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat. This surgery makes your stomach smaller, causing you to feel full with less food.

During the surgery, the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach. This pouch becomes your new, smaller stomach, which holds significantly less food.

Then, the surgeon connects this new stomach pouch directly to the middle part of your small intestine, bypassing the rest of your stomach and the upper part of your small intestine.

This does two things:

• Limits on how much you can eat: The new smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, meaning you feel full sooner and thus eat less.
• Reduces calorie absorption: The bypassing of part of the small intestine means that your body absorbs fewer calories from the food you eat.

The combination of eating less and absorbing fewer calories leads to significant weight loss. Despite the food you consume bypassing most of your stomach and part of your small intestine, your digestive system can still process nutrients and calories from food in a normal way.

Gastric bypass surgery is a significant operation and a big lifestyle change. While it’s a powerful weight loss tool, it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. Continued commitment to these is key to achieving and maintaining success after the surgery.

How much weight can I expect to lose after Gastric Bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery typically results in significant weight loss. On average, patients tend to lose about 60-80% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months post-surgery. However, individual results can vary significantly, depending on factors such as initial weight, adherence to lifestyle changes, and compliance with post-operative instructions.

The key to maximizing and maintaining this weight loss is a lifelong commitment to a healthier lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team are also critical. Remember, gastric bypass surgery aims not only at reducing weight but also at improving overall health and quality of life.

What are the pros and cons of Gastric Bypass surgery?

Certainly. Here are some potential advantages and drawbacks to consider when it comes to Gastric Bypass surgery:

Pros:

• Significant Weight Loss: Gastric bypass surgery can result in substantial weight loss, with most patients losing 60-80% of their excess weight within the first 12-18 months post-surgery.
• Improvement in Health Conditions: The surgery can lead to improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, and joint pain.
• Reduced Appetite: Changes to the gastrointestinal tract can lead to hormone shifts that reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness.
• Long-Term Results: Studies suggest that many people maintain a weight loss of 50% or more, even 10 to 15 years post-surgery.

Cons:

• Surgical Risks: Like all major surgeries, gastric bypass surgery carries risks including infections, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: The surgery can lead to deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, requiring long-term supplementation and regular monitoring.
• Dumping Syndrome: This can occur when food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and sweating.
• Not Reversible: Gastric Bypass surgery is generally irreversible. But In some cases, the surgeon may be able to reconnect the stomach and small intestine. However, the stomach will not return to its original size.
• Possibility of Excess Skin: After significant weight loss following gastric bypass surgery, some patients may have excess, loose skin. This can be a physical and aesthetic concern and may require additional surgical procedures such as body lift surgery to remove the excess skin.
• Requires Lifestyle Changes: Long-term success with gastric bypass surgery requires significant and lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes.

Remember, the decision to have gastric bypass surgery should be made in consultation with a professional healthcare provider who can explain the potential risks and benefits in the context of your specific health situation.

Am I a good candidate for Gastric Bypass surgery?

Determining if you’re a good candidate for gastric bypass surgery depends on various factors, including your BMI, overall health, and mental readiness. Here are some general criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI): You’re typically considered a candidate for gastric bypass surgery if Your BMI is 40 or higher (extreme obesity). Or in other cases, your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, or infertility.
• Previous Weight-Loss Efforts: You’ve tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but haven’t been successful in the long term.
• Overall Health: You’re healthy enough to undergo a major surgical procedure.
• Understanding the Procedure and Commitment: You understand the procedure, potential risks and complications, as well as the lifestyle changes you will need to make post-surgery.
• Psychological Stability: You don’t have an uncontrolled psychological condition, such as a binge-eating disorder, that could sabotage post-surgical success.
• No Alcohol or Drug Dependence: You don’t have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, or if you do, these conditions are currently managed.

Is Gastric Bypass surgery safe?

Gastric bypass surgery is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified surgeon. The risks, such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia, are similar to those in any major surgical procedure. However, the safety of the surgery has significantly improved over the years due to advancements in surgical techniques and better postoperative care.

Despite the potential risks, the benefits of the surgery often outweigh these for many patients. The surgery can result in substantial weight loss and improvement, or even resolution, of obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

How do I prepare for Gastric Bypass surgery?

Preparing for gastric bypass surgery involves several steps:

1. Medical Evaluation: You’ll likely undergo various tests and exams to ensure you’re physically ready for surgery. These may include blood tests, imaging studies, cardiac evaluation, and a nutritional assessment.
2. Nutritional Counseling: A dietitian will guide you through dietary changes before and after your surgery. You might be asked to lose some weight before surgery to reduce the size of your liver, making the surgery safer and easier.
3. Lifestyle Changes: If you smoke, you will need to stop, as smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing. If you drink alcohol excessively or use recreational drugs, it’s important to disclose this to your doctor, who can provide resources to help you stop.
4. Medication Review: Your healthcare provider will review your current medications. Some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped prior to surgery.
5. Mental Health Evaluation: Mental health professionals assess your readiness for surgery and help you prepare for the changes in lifestyle and body image that come with significant weight loss.
6. Preoperative Education: You’ll learn about the procedure, potential risks and complications, and what to expect during recovery. This is your opportunity to ask any questions about the surgery.

How is Gastric Bypass surgery performed?

Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is performed under general anesthesia and can be done via open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Here is a simplified description of the process:

1. Creation of a Small Pouch: The surgeon divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a larger lower portion. The upper pouch typically holds about an ounce of food, effectively limiting the amount you can eat.
2. Bypassing a Portion of the Small Intestine: The surgeon then divides the small intestine into two parts. The lower part of the small intestine is brought up and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch.
3. Reconnecting the Intestines: The upper part of the divided small intestine is connected to the lower part of the small intestine further down. This allows the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach and the first portion of the small intestine to eventually mix with the food.

The new arrangement bypasses a significant portion of the stomach and the small intestine, limiting the absorption of calories and nutrients. The smaller stomach pouch causes feelings of fullness after eating only a small amount of food, leading to weight loss.

What does the recovery process look like after Gastric Bypass surgery?

Recovery from gastric bypass surgery varies from individual to individual, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Immediately after surgery: You’ll be monitored in a recovery room for a few hours before being moved to a regular hospital room. The average hospital stay is about 2-3 days, depending on your overall health and recovery progress.
• Pain management: You will experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with medications.
• Dietary changes: Immediately after surgery, your diet will be restricted to liquids and pureed foods for a few weeks. Gradually, you’ll transition to more solid foods over the course of several weeks. You will also be encouraged to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large meals.
• Physical activity: It’s recommended to start light physical activities, like walking, as soon as possible to aid recovery and prevent blood clots. More vigorous activities should be avoided until your body has healed sufficiently, typically around 4-6 weeks after surgery.
• Follow-up appointments: You’ll have follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor your recovery and progress. These are essential to ensure proper healing and adjust your dietary plan if necessary.
• Long-term lifestyle changes: Gastric bypass surgery requires lifelong changes to your diet and physical activity habits. Regular exercise and a consistent, nutrient-dense diet are crucial to maintaining your weight loss and overall health.
• Emotional adjustments: Significant weight loss can bring changes in self-image and interpersonal relationships. Psychological support, such as counseling or support groups, can be beneficial during this transition.

How much does Gastric Bypass surgery cost in Turkey compared to the USA and Western Europe?

The cost of gastric bypass surgery can vary widely depending on the country, the surgeon, and the specific requirements of the patient. In the USA, the cost typically ranges from $20,000 to $25,000, while in Western Europe, the cost can be between $15,000 and $20,000.

In contrast, the cost of gastric bypass surgery in Turkey is significantly lower, often around 50-70% less than the costs in these countries. On average, the cost in Turkey can range from $5,000 to $7,000. These prices usually include the hospital stay, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and aftercare. It’s important to note that prices can vary depending on the clinic and the specifics of each patient’s case.

Why should I choose Elara medical tourism agency for my Gastric Bypass surgery in Turkey?

Choosing Elara for your Gastric Bypass surgery in Turkey offers several key advantages:

1. Highly Experienced Medical Team: At Elara, we work only with highly skilled and experienced surgeons who have performed numerous successful gastric bypass surgeries.
2. World-Class Facilities: Our partnered hospitals and clinics in Turkey are equipped with the latest technology and conform to international healthcare standards, ensuring you receive the highest level of care.
3. Affordable Comprehensive Packages: We provide an affordable all-inclusive package that covers surgery, hospital stay, post-operative care, and even airport transfers. We strive to ensure that there are no hidden costs for our patients.
4. Patient-Centered Care: We understand that each patient is unique. Therefore, we ensure personalized care tailored to your specific needs and health goals. Our team is available 24/7 to assist and support you throughout your journey.
5. Language is not a Barrier: We have a multilingual team to ensure effective communication, making your medical travel experience smooth and comfortable.
6. Location and Travel Assistance: Our clinics are located in Turkey, which combines world-class medical care with the opportunity for a serene recovery. We also assist with travel arrangements, making your trip hassle-free.
7. Post-Operative Support: Our care for you doesn’t end after the surgery. We provide comprehensive post-operative support, including dietary plans and assistance with any concerns or questions you may have after returning home.

At Elara, our goal is to ensure that your journey to better health is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Your safety, satisfaction, and well-being are our top priorities.