Gastric Bypass in New Jersey
What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass, also called Roux-en-Y, is one of the most common weight loss surgeries.The surgeon creates a small pouch within the stomach and directly connects it to the small intestine. The remainder of the stomach is left in place.
Everything you eat will enter the small pouch and then bypass most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine. Less food is absorbed into the body through this route.
Reasons for Gastric Bypass
Bariatric surgeons at Hackensack Meridian Health are highly experienced in gastric bypass. We can help you decide if this approach is right for you.
- Body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher
- BMI is 35 or higher, and you have a serious weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, severe sleep apnea, or heart disease
- Weight causes physical limitations that interfere with family, recreation or work activities
Advantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery can offer powerful results for people looking to achieve lasting weight loss and better health in New Jersey. This procedure delivers significant benefits that go beyond the number on the scale, such as the following:
- Rapid weight loss
- Greatest weight loss
- Sustained weight loss
- Minimally invasive surgery with fewer risks and faster recovery
- Improves blood sugars and many weight-related problems
Potential Disadvantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery offers lasting results for many people in New Jersey, but it can also affect nutrition and digestion. Knowing what challenges may occur after surgery can help you plan ahead, such as the following:
- Vitamin deficiencies (preventable with supplements and a diet rich in nutrients)
- Bone calcium loss (preventable with supplements and a diet rich in nutrients)
- Anemia (preventable with supplements and a diet rich in nutrients)
- Potential for dumping syndrome – symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness or diarrhea – when eating too much sugar or large amounts of food
- Bypassed portion of the stomach and small intestine cannot be seen easily using X-ray or endoscopy
Diane’s Story
Frequently Asked Questions
During gastric bypass surgery, a small stomach pouch is created and connected directly to the small intestine. This lets food skip most of the stomach and the first part of the intestine, so your body absorbs fewer calories.
This surgery is often recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or 35 and above with a serious health condition like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or severe sleep apnea.
People who have gastric bypass often experience rapid and long-term weight loss. The procedure can also:
- Improve blood sugar control
- Help with weight-related conditions
- Be done using minimally invasive surgery for faster recovery at one of our hospitals and surgical centers across New Jersey
Some people may experience issues related to nutrition or digestion, such as:
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Bone calcium loss
- Anemia
- Dumping syndrome, which may cause nausea, weakness, or diarrhea
No, the bypassed portion of the stomach and small intestine can’t be easily seen using an X-ray or endoscopy after surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health.
