Gastric Bypass

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This procedure reduces stomach size and re-routes part of the small bowel to reduce portion size, hunger, as well as changes in food metabolism.

 It is effective for weight loss, reflux, and diabetes control.

 It may be recommended for people with severe reflux or higher BMIs.

Several types of bypass procedures are available, such as:

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB)

Key facts:

Gastric bypass reduces stomach size and re-routes part of the small bowel to reduce portion size, hunger as well as changes in food metabolism.
Effective for weight loss as well reflux and diabetes control
May be recommended for people with severe reflux or higher BMIs
Several types of bypass procedures available such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or One Anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB)

Why You May Need This Surgery

Gastric Bypass is a major operation to help patients manage severe obesity.

It is typically recommended for people:

With a BMI over 35, or over 30 with health problems such as diabetes, hypertension or other metabolic diseases.
Who have severe reflux (heart burn) or poorly controlled diabetes.

Compared to sleeve gastrectomy:

May result in slightly more weight loss.
May have a lower risk of weight regain.
However, it is a more complex procedure with higher risks.

Benefits & What to Expect

Weight Loss

Most patients lose 70–80% of their excess weight in the first 12 months.

Continued weight loss usually happens for up to 18 months post-op.

Better results are seen with healthy eating and regular exercise.

Improvement in Health

You may notice improvements in conditions like:

Note: Your GP or specialist may need to adjust your medications as your health improves.

Risks to Know About

This list includes important and common risks. Please speak with your surgeon about any specific concerns.

Short-term Risks (immediate)

Leak from stomach or bowel joints (anastomosis): ~1%
Bleeding: ~1% (may need return to theatre or blood transfusion)
Death: rare, ~1 in 500 cases
Anaesthetic risks: very rare, such as allergic reaction

Medium & Long-term Risks

Marginal ulcers (~5%)
Pain, bleeding, or stomach perforation
Risks higher if you:
Smoke
Take anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen)
Drink alcohol excessively
Internal hernia (~5%)
Can cause bowel blockage
Warning signs: cramping pain, vomiting, bloating
Needs early diagnosis to avoid serious complications
Inadequate weight loss or weight regain (5–10%)
Malnutrition
Usually mild; prevented with supplements and regular blood tests (every 6–12 months)
Dumping Syndrome
Occurs when food moves too quickly into the bowel or having too much sugar or carb in your food and drinks.
Early dumping: after eating too fast or too much → pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea
Late dumping: 1–3 hrs after sugary food → dizziness, sweating, fast heart rate, low blood sugar
Prevention: small meals, slow eating, avoid high-sugar and high-carb foods. Focus on protein and fibre-rich food.

Additional Things to Consider

Hair loss – Temporary, due to rapid weight loss
Excess skin – May need future surgery
Food intolerance – Variable between people
Pregnancy – Avoid in the first 12–18 months
Smoking – Stop at least 6 weeks before and never resume
Alcohol – Avoid for at least 3 months post-op

What’s Involved in the Surgery

Keyhole surgery (laparoscopic)
May convert to open surgery in rare cases (<1%)
Takes around 1.5–2 hours
Hospital stay: 2–3 nights

Your new stomach (pouch) will be:

Around 100–150 ml in size (half cup)
Most of your stomach and 2 metres of small bowel will be bypassed, but remain in the body; therefore it is possible to to reverse the procedure if required in the future.

Recovery & Lifestyle

Pain and nausea: Mostly mild and can be managed with medication
Most feel better by the first week
Office job: 2 weeks
Physical job: 4 weeks

Time off work:

Driving:

Resume in 1–2 weeks when you feel well and are not on strong pain relief

At ECBS, we’ve performed thousands of gastric sleeve and bypass surgeries with excellent safety and long-term outcomes. Our surgeons are also involved in training the next generation of bariatric specialists in public hospitals.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, we encourage you to book a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and help you decide if this is the right step for you.

Why Choose Us?

Experience and Expertise
Customer Focused
Honesty and Integrity
Reasonable Treatment Prices

Are you having health problems? Contact us today!

Epworth Eastern Hospital
Suite 62, Level 6, 1 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128
Epworth Freemasons
Grey Street
Level 1, 124 Grey Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Contact With Us
Mail Us: info@obesity.com.au
Call Us 24/7: (03) 9421-1166