Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

The stomach and first part of the small intestine is bypassed — this restricts food intake and stimulates hormones that suppress hunger and improve diabetes.

Pros

• Small stomach pouch and hormonal effect produce strong sensation of fullness with very small meals
• Excellent weight loss, sustained long-term
• Dumping syndrome makes it harder to cheat by eating sweets

Cons

• Leaks from staple lines and joins
• Ulcers, particularly in smokers
• Small risk of intestinal blockage
• Life-long vitamin supplements required

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is explained in detail in our patient information booklet (pdf, 0.4MB).

A short animation is also available (file size 8.0MB).