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GASTRIC BYPASS

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Gastric bypass surgery is a bariatric surgery procedure performed for obesity treatment. In this procedure, the stomach is reduced in size, and a part of the small intestine is bypassed to reduce nutrient absorption. This aims to help patients lose weight, improve obesity-related health problems, and increase their quality of life. Gastric bypass may be an option for individuals who are overweight due to genetic predisposition, unhealthy eating habits, or other medical conditions and who cannot lose weight with conservative methods.

What is Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure in which a large part of the stomach is bypassed to create a small stomach pouch, and this pouch is directly connected to the lower part of the small intestine. This way, the food consumed collects in a smaller stomach volume and is absorbed in a shorter section of the small intestine, leading to weight loss by reducing calorie intake and absorption.

Before undergoing gastric bypass, patients should understand the potential benefits and risks of the surgery, lifestyle changes, and the need for long-term follow-up. In consultations with the doctor, the patient's health status, eating habits, weight loss goals, and post-operative expectations are evaluated in detail.

Why is Gastric Bypass Preferred?

Gastric bypass surgery is generally preferred for the following reasons:

  • Morbid Obesity: It is an effective method for weight loss in individuals with a very high body mass index (BMI) and serious health problems related to obesity.
  • Failure of Other Weight Loss Methods: It may be an option for individuals who cannot lose enough weight with conservative methods such as diet, exercise, and medication, or who regain the weight they lost.
  • Obesity-Related Health Problems: It can help improve or control obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, and joint problems.
  • Desire for Long-Term Weight Loss: Gastric bypass has the potential to provide significant and long-term weight loss.
  • Improving Quality of Life: With weight loss, patients' mobility increases, energy levels rise, and overall quality of life can improve.

How Does the Pre-Gastric Bypass Selection Process Work?

Gastric bypass surgery should be performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon. The general process consists of the following steps:

  • Evaluation and Consultation: Before gastric bypass, a comprehensive evaluation is performed by a team consisting of a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other specialists. The patient's general health status, medical history, eating habits, psychological condition, and weight loss goals are evaluated.
  • Anesthesia Application: Gastric bypass surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. This way, the patient does not feel pain during the operation.
  • Surgical Procedure: Gastric bypass is usually performed laparoscopically (closed surgery). Small incisions are made in the abdominal area, and with the help of special surgical instruments and a camera, the stomach is reduced in size and reconnected to the small intestine.
  • Recovery Process: The patient's recovery process after the operation may take several weeks. Symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue are normal in the first few days and will pass over time. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations to speed up the recovery process and prevent possible complications.

What are the Types of Gastric Bypass?

There are different techniques for gastric bypass, but the most common is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

  • Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A small pouch is created in the upper part of the stomach, and this pouch is directly connected to the lower part of the small intestine (jejunal segment). Food passes from this small stomach pouch directly into the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and the initial part of the small intestine (duodenum).

How much weight do I need to lose before gastric bypass surgery?

Although there is no requirement to lose a certain amount of weight before surgery, your doctor may set a weight loss goal to improve your overall health and reduce surgical risks. This is usually personalized and depends on the patient's initial weight and health status.

How long does gastric bypass surgery take?

Gastric bypass surgery usually takes between 2 and 4 hours. The duration of the surgery may vary depending on the patient's general health condition, degree of obesity, and the surgeon's experience.

Is there a risk of death in gastric bypass surgery?

Since gastric bypass is a major surgical operation, it involves certain risks, as does any surgery. These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, anastomotic leakage (leakage at connection sites), and anesthesia-related complications. However, these risks can be minimized when performed by an experienced surgeon and a specialist team.

What is the suitable age range for gastric bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass is generally considered for obese individuals between the ages of 18 and 65. However, the patient's general health status, obesity-related health problems, and psychological evaluation results are also important factors in addition to age.

Am I a suitable candidate for gastric bypass surgery?

If your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or above, or if your BMI is 35 or above and you have serious obesity-related health problems (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.), and conservative weight loss methods have failed, you may be a suitable candidate for gastric bypass. However, the final decision will be made by your doctor after a comprehensive evaluation.

In which cases is gastric bypass not recommended?

  • In individuals with severe uncontrolled psychiatric problems,
  • In individuals with active substance addiction,
  • In individuals with serious health problems such as advanced liver or heart failure,
  • In individuals who are pregnant or planning pregnancy soon,
  • In individuals who cannot comply with long-term follow-up and lifestyle changes after surgery.

Will I be able to eat normally after surgery?

For the first few weeks after surgery, you will need to consume liquid and pureed foods. Over time, you can transition to solid foods with the guidance of your doctor and dietitian. However, your portions will be much smaller than before, and you may need to limit some foods (high-sugar, fatty foods) as they can cause digestive problems.

Will I need to take vitamin and mineral supplements after surgery?

Yes, since gastric bypass reduces nutrient absorption, you will generally need to take various vitamin and mineral supplements such as multivitamins, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 for life. Your doctor and dietitian will provide you with detailed information on this.

How much weight can I lose after surgery?

Weight loss after gastric bypass varies from person to person, but patients generally lose a significant portion of their excess weight (60-80%) within the first 1-2 years. The rate of weight loss may slow down over time, but significant weight loss can be achieved in the long term.

Can I regain weight after surgery?

Yes, it is possible to regain weight after gastric bypass. Weight gain can be seen, especially if post-operative nutritional and lifestyle recommendations are not followed, portion control is not maintained, and regular exercise is not done. Long-term follow-up and adherence to lifestyle changes are important.

What are the Advantages of Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass surgery offers many significant advantages for individuals with obesity and obesity-related health problems:

  • Significant and Long-Term Weight Loss: It can help patients lose a significant portion of their excess weight and maintain this weight for a long time.
  • Improvement or Remission in Obesity-Related Health Problems: It can contribute to the improvement or complete resolution of many health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
  • Increased Quality of Life: With weight loss, patients' mobility increases, energy levels rise, and overall quality of life can improve.
  • Less Hunger Sensation: Thanks to the reduced stomach size and hormonal changes, patients feel full more quickly and experience less hunger.
  • Long-Term Health Benefits: Weight loss and improvements in health problems can contribute to an increased lifespan and reduced healthcare costs in the long term.

What does gastric bypass surgery aim for?

The primary goal of gastric bypass surgery is to achieve significant and long-term weight loss in obese patients, thereby improving or eliminating obesity-related health problems, and thus increasing patients' quality of life and life expectancy.
  • ✔ Significant Weight Loss: The goal is to lose a large portion of excess weight.
  • ✔ Improvement in Health Problems: The aim is to control or improve obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • ✔ Increased Quality of Life: The goal is for patients to feel better physically and psychologically.
  • ✔ Long-Term Health and Weight Management: The aim is to maintain weight loss for a long time and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Can other procedures be performed during the surgery?
Yes, in some cases, other accompanying surgical procedures such as hernia repair or gallbladder removal can be performed during gastric bypass surgery. This depends on the patient's needs and the surgeon's assessment.

Will I experience skin sagging after surgery? What can I do?
Skin sagging may occur after significant weight loss, depending on skin elasticity. This varies from person to person. Regular exercise and adequate water intake can be beneficial in reducing skin sagging. However, for significant sagging, correction with plastic surgery methods (tummy tuck, arm lift, etc.) may be necessary.

Will the surgical scars be prominent?
Since gastric bypass is usually performed laparoscopically, there are small incisions in the abdominal area. The scars resulting from these incisions usually fade over time and become less noticeable. In the case of open surgery, a larger scar may remain.

Will I feel pain during and after the surgery?
You will not feel any pain during the surgery as you will be under general anesthesia. After the surgery, you may feel pain for the first few days. This pain can usually be controlled with painkillers and will decrease over time. Pain after laparoscopic surgery is generally less than after open surgery.

Will a drain be placed after the surgery? When will it be removed?
A drain may be placed in the abdominal area after surgery to prevent fluid accumulation. When the drain will be removed depends on the amount of fluid accumulated and your doctor's assessment. It is usually removed within a few days. Removing the drain usually causes a slight discomfort.

When can I return to my normal activities after surgery?
The recovery process after surgery varies from person to person. It is generally recommended to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for the first few weeks. Most patients can return to most of their normal activities after 4-6 weeks. Full recovery and reaching full physical capacity may take several months.

Do I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
After gastric bypass surgery, you will usually need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 5 days. This period may vary depending on the course of the surgery, the patient's general condition, and the presence of possible complications. Doctors and nurses will monitor you closely during your hospital stay.

How soon can I get up?
You can usually get up and walk on the same day or the next day after gastric bypass. However, it may take several weeks to fully return to your normal activities. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations.

When can I return to work after gastric bypass surgery?
Those working in light jobs, such as desk jobs, can usually return to work within 2-4 weeks. However, those working in physically strenuous jobs may need to rest for 6-8 weeks or more. Your recovery process will be monitored by your doctor.

What should I pay attention to in the first few days after surgery?
You may feel pain, nausea, and fatigue in the first few days after surgery. Use the painkillers prescribed by your doctor regularly. Drink plenty of fluids and prevent dehydration. Keep your incision sites clean and dry. Start walking slowly as recommended by your doctor.

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From the moment you first contact us before the surgery, you can get a consultation by having a video consultation with our patient coordinators and, if necessary, with the doctor who will perform the surgery, and by meeting face-to-face with the doctor who will perform the surgery on the day of the surgery.
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Unless your doctor requests it, there is no need to have any tests done.
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If you are going to have a combined surgery, you can come with your companion, open your operator for international use, bring an F-type plug or converter to charge your electronic devices, and you can check our video for more.
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Since alcohol will thin the blood and change the effect of anesthesia, you should not consume alcohol for up to a week before the surgery.
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To overcome the fear of surgery, get information about the process from your doctor, focus on thinking positively, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, get support from your loved ones, and seek professional help from a specialist if necessary.
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Our doctors apply the techniques that will give the most permanent results in the long term with the most current and accepted techniques. However, these techniques may vary according to the patient's demands. Before the surgery, the doctor and patient mutually agree on which technique will be applied.
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Patient history, patient demands, and patient visuals are needed.
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Of course you do. Our doctor who will perform the surgery provides the final checks.
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The pre-operative process begins with the patient's medical evaluation; necessary tests are performed, anesthesia approval is obtained, and the patient is informed and consent forms are signed. The surgery date is determined, and nutrition and medication use are regulated. After hospitalization, registration procedures are completed, the surgical area is prepared, and necessary medications are administered. Finally, the patient is transferred to the operating room, identity verification is performed, and anesthesia is administered to begin the operation.
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You should come to Turkey 1 day before the surgery if possible.
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On the day of surgery, you need to pay attention to the eating and drinking rules limited by your doctor and come to the hospital from the hotel on time.
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We ensure your personal surgical safety and privacy in accordance with international standards of patient rights and responsibilities.
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In general, 6 people enter the surgeries: the surgeon who will perform the operation, the anesthesiologist, the anesthesia technician, 2 nurses on rotation, and the operating room supervisor to ensure material supply and general order during the surgery.
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To ensure that the surgery takes place in a safe and hygienic environment, precautions such as sterilization, use of hygienic clothing, anesthesia safety, patient monitoring, infection prevention measures, and emergency preparedness are taken in the operating room. In addition, bleeding control is ensured during the surgery to complete the operation with minimum risk.
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Of course you will. Our doctor who will perform the surgery provides the final checks.
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You will not be conscious because the surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

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Do I need to use a special corset or bandage? For how long?
Your doctor may recommend using a special abdominal corset for a few weeks after surgery to support your abdominal muscles and facilitate healing. The duration of use is usually between 4-6 weeks but may vary according to your doctor's instructions.

Can I shower after surgery? When?
Showering is usually possible 2-3 days after surgery, but you should be careful not to get your incision sites wet. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on this.

How long will it take for my body to fully recover?
Gastric bypass is a major surgery, and full recovery can take several months. The first few weeks are the most critical period. It will take time for your internal organs to heal, for your energy levels to return to normal, and for you to fully adapt to your new eating pattern.

Will stitches be removed after surgery, or will they dissolve on their own?
Some of the stitches used in gastric bypass surgery may dissolve on their own, while others may need to be removed by your doctor. The timing of stitch removal is usually 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Are the results of gastric bypass permanent?
Gastric bypass generally provides long-term and permanent weight loss. However, this depends on your adherence to post-operative nutritional and lifestyle changes. It is possible to regain weight if you do not follow your doctor's and dietitian's recommendations.

Will there be deformation in my stomach or intestines over time?
Since gastric bypass creates an anatomical change, there may be a slight expansion in the stomach pouch over time. However, this usually does not lead to significant weight regain. No direct deformation is expected in the intestines.

Does weight gain/loss or pregnancy affect the result?
Significant weight gain/loss after gastric bypass can affect the size of the stomach pouch. Pregnancy can also cause hormonal and physical changes in the body, which can affect the weight loss process. If you are planning a pregnancy, you should definitely discuss this with your doctor.

If I regain weight after sleeve gastrectomy or other bariatric surgeries, can I have gastric bypass?
Yes, in some cases, if you experience weight regain after previous bariatric surgeries, gastric bypass may be a revisional surgery option. However, this will be decided by your doctor after a detailed evaluation.

Will my stomach feel smaller or different after gastric bypass?
Since your stomach will be significantly smaller after surgery, you will feel full more quickly and will need to be satisfied with smaller portions. Initially, you may feel a different sensation of fullness, but you will get used to this over time.

How can I reduce the risk of infection?
To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to keep the surgical area clean and dry, take your doctor's antibiotic treatment regularly, and call your doctor immediately if you see any signs of infection (redness, increased temperature, severe pain, discharge).

When will the drains be removed? Will I feel pain when they are removed?
Drains placed after surgery are usually removed within a few days when fluid drainage decreases. Removing the drains is generally not a painful procedure, apart from a slight pulling sensation.

Will I have loss of sensation in my abdominal area? How long will it last?
Temporary loss of sensation or numbness around the incision sites is normal. This condition usually resolves on its own within a few weeks or months.

Will I experience a plateau in my weight loss process? What should I do?
Although weight loss after gastric bypass is generally regular, plateaus in the weight loss process can sometimes occur. In this case, do not panic and continue to follow your dietitian's recommendations. You can review your exercise routine and talk to your doctor.

How long does it take for scars to heal? What can I do to reduce the visibility of scars?
Since gastric bypass performed with laparoscopic surgery involves small incisions, the scars are usually minimal and fade over time, becoming less noticeable. Scar healing can take several months. You can use scar creams or care methods recommended by your doctor.

What should I do if an unexpected situation occurs?
If an unexpected situation (severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea and vomiting, fever, redness or discharge at the incision sites, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc.) occurs, you should contact your doctor immediately. Early intervention is important to prevent serious complications.

What is the Recovery Process Like After Gastric Bypass?
The recovery process after gastric bypass is critical for the success of the surgery and long-term weight management. It starts with liquid and pureed foods for the first few weeks and gradually transitions to solid foods. Here are some points to pay attention to in order to speed up the recovery process:

  • Strictly follow your doctor's and dietitian's instructions: You will be given specific guidelines regarding diet, medication use, and activity level.
  • Eat small and frequent meals: Portion control appropriate for your new stomach volume is very important.
  • Eat slowly and chew well: Facilitates digestion and increases the feeling of fullness.
  • Drink plenty of fluids: Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks.
  • Exercise regularly: Supports the weight loss process and improves your health. Start exercising slowly with your doctor's approval.
  • Take your vitamin and mineral supplements regularly: You will need to take supplements due to reduced nutrient absorption.
  • Attend your follow-up appointments regularly: Your doctor will monitor your recovery process and intervene early in case of possible problems.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol: They can negatively affect the healing process.

Where will the incisions be made?
Since gastric bypass is usually performed laparoscopically, 4-6 small (0.5-1 cm) incisions are made in the abdominal area. These incisions usually leave minimal scars. In some cases, open surgery may be necessary, which would result in a larger incision.

Will I lose weight naturally after the operation?
Gastric bypass helps you lose weight naturally by reducing the size of your stomach and decreasing nutrient absorption. However, this must be supported by your adaptation to the new eating pattern and adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

How long will my weight loss process last?
The fastest weight loss after gastric bypass is usually seen in the first 6-12 months. The weight loss process can continue for up to 18-24 months. The rate of weight loss may slow down over time, but significant weight loss is achieved in the long term.

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