Sage Bariatric Surgeons have performed thousands of Gastric Bypass surgeries.  The Gastric Bypass (full name is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass) is done laparoscopically (minimally invasive) under general anesthesia. Surgical staplers are used to divide the upper stomach, leaving only a small upper segment of stomach to hold food. No stomach or intestine is removed, but the intestine is re-routed to carry food downstream without entering the lower “bypassed” stomach or duodenum. Our patients’ metabolism and hunger levels are improved by having the food “skip” the complex neuro-hormonal reflex systems of the lower stomach and duodenum.

Food mixes with digestive juices at the downstream connection, and there is a long section of normal small intestine downstream where normal food absorption occurs. If patients eat sugar after a gastric bypass they are likely to have a condition called “dumping syndrome,” which includes nausea, cramping pain, and diarrhea; dumping only happens if the patient “goes off the plan” by eating sugar. The larger section of stomach that is bypassed keeps its many small blood vessels so it remains healthy and remains in place.

Due to the experience and expertise of our surgeons and facilities, many of our patients feel ready to go home on the afternoon after their Gastric Bypass operation (one night in the hospital), although some may remain for another night for management of their pre-surgical conditions. The vast majority are back at work 2 weeks from surgery.

Results vary from patient to patient, but on average patients lose from 70-250 pounds after the Gastric Bypass. It is effective in treating every weight-related medical condition, and it is especially effective for Diabetes and Reflux/Heartburn.