What does Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass do?
Gastric Bypass is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. Your stomach will be divided into a small upper pouch, which is then connected to your small intestine. The smaller stomach pouch will only hold a small amount of food. The remaining stomach no longer holds food and is sutured from the rest of the stomach; it acts to produce digestive juices and hormones. Since food now bypasses most of the stomach and part of the small intestine, fewer nutrients and calories are absorbed. After gastric bypass, patients are able to consume smaller amounts, feel full sooner and absorb less calories. It is important to remember patients must make permanent diet modifications to prevent malnutrition and dumping syndrome.
