Results

Weight loss starts immediately after the operation and continues up to 12 to 18-months after surgery. At this time the average weight loss is 30% of the starting weight. Most patients experience a mild weight regain after 2 years, but on average maintain about 25% total body weight loss.

More importantly, gastric bypass has been shown to be the most effective treatment for diabetes and many obesity related health problems such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Most patients feel better and healthier. In fact several studies have demonstrated that patients who undergo gastric bypass live longer and develop less cancer than other obese patients who don’t receive bariatric surgery.

Risks and Side Effects

Immediate serious risks following RYGB occur in less than 5% of patients and include the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), pulmonary embolus, leak and deep abdominal infection, bleeding and intestinal blockage. Most will appear within the first few days. Some of these complications are best managed with early re-operation. The risk of death is less than 0.1% in experienced bariatric surgical centers such as ours.

Long term side effects include temporary hair loss, occasional fatigue, anemia, intestinal blockage, internal hernia, vitamin deficiency, gallstones and loose skin. That is why it is important to maintain regular follow-up and perform blood tests at least twice a year.

Dumping syndrome is a known side effect of the gastric bypass and consists of a set of symptoms that appear after eating high caloric food. These symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, near fainting, fast heartbeat, cold sweats and are related to low blood sugar in the blood. It is paradoxical but eating sugary foods will stimulate the pancreas to release large amounts of insulin which in turn lower the blood sugar. Dumping syndrome is preventable by avoiding high calorie foods and relying more on vegetables and proteins.