Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is one of the bariatric procedures with the strongest clinical evidence for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic diseases.

Procedure performed by board-certified specialists.

Procedure description

A minimally invasive surgical procedure that creates a 30 to 60 ml stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestine, producing rapid satiety and reducing the absorption of fats and sugars.

This promotes weight loss and helps control diseases such as type 2 diabetes, systemic arterial hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux, fatty liver, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnea, among others.

Benefits

  • Effectiveness and safety backed by clinical evidence
  • Fast recovery and return to activities within four to seven days
  • Control and remission of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia
  • Rapid weight loss with long-term durability
  • Helps develop an aversion to foods with excess sugar and fat

Sources:
– Landin M, et al. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2020;30:619-22.
– Adams TD, et al. N Engl J Med 2017;377:1143-55.

Frequently asked questions

What are the contraindications for gastric bypass?

Liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's), severe heart failure, unstable coronary disease, active cancer treatment, terminal lung disease and dependence on psychoactive substances, among others.

Only a specialist can determine whether you are a candidate; please report any health condition you may have.

Source:
– Stahl JM, et al. StatPearls [Internet] 2021.

Does the time elapsed since the type 2 diabetes diagnosis matter?

Yes: the shorter the time the disease has been evolving and the sooner surgery is performed in eligible patients, the better the body's response, with a greater impact on preventing complications associated with type 2 diabetes such as nephropathy and retinopathy.

Source:
– Madsen LR, et al. Diabetologia 2019;62:611-20.

Do I have to take vitamins for the rest of my life?

Yes, it is important, since there is reduced absorption not only of fats and sugars but also of vitamins and minerals.

Source:
– Mechanick JI, et al. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2013;21(4):593-614.

Step-by-step process

  1. Bariatric evaluation appointment

    Our specialist physician will ask about pre-existing conditions, previous weight-loss treatments and your expectations; they will perform a complete clinical evaluation and schedule the assessments with the rest of the team to determine the best option based on your profile, health status and goals.

  2. Check-up

    An evaluation is carried out by our multidisciplinary team: psychology, nutrition and cardiology.

  3. Bariatric surgery appointment

    The results of the previous evaluations are reviewed and we present the treatment and the most suitable alternatives for you: advantages, disadvantages, risks and short-, medium- and long-term expectations. After obtaining consent, the surgery date is set.

  4. Surgery

    Hospital admission takes place two hours before the procedure, which lasts approximately one hour. Hospital discharge is given 48 hours after the intervention, with the corresponding care instructions.

  5. Follow-up review

    First review and suture removal after seven days.

  6. Habit-change phases

    Liquid diet, purées, soft foods and solids, one week each, under the supervision and guidance of our team.

  7. Follow-up appointments

    At 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery.

  8. Maintenance phase

    Support and follow-up by our nutrition and psychology team to optimize your results.