Mexico Gastric Bypass

Mexico Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery in Mexico is a type of bariatric surgery that treats morbid obesity and obesity related health problems through food restriction and malabsorption. Gastric bypass surgery is the most common type of bariatric surgery performed in Mexico and the United States and has helped many morbidly obese individuals achieve substantial and lasting weight loss and an improvement in their overall health and quality of life.

[vc_message message_box_color=”alert-info”]The Roux-en-Y (RNY) gastric bypass surgery, which is currently the most common type of gastric bypass surgery, was first performed in 1967 through open surgery, and uses a “Y” configuration in rerouting the intestines. The first laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in 1993.[/vc_message]

Gastric bypass surgery is a general term used to describe the various methods of bariatric surgery that involve:

• Food restriction: dividing the stomach to create a smaller upper food pouch.
• Food malabsorption: rerouting the small intestine to alter digestion.

In RNY gastric bypass procedures, a smaller stomach pouch is formed in the upper portion of the stomach and a new stomach outlet (stoma) is formed. After the intestine is divided, the lower intestine is connected to the new stomach outlet. The remaining “remnant” lower stomach, the natural stomach outlet (pyloric valve), and the upper portion of the small intestine are all bypassed. The length of either section of the intestine can be made shorter or longer to affect the levels of absorption.

• The primary difference between the specific gastric bypass procedures is the way in which the intestines are rerouted.

The most popular version of RNY gastric bypass surgery is the proximal (nearer to) gastric bypass, also called short limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A modified version is the distal (farther away) gastric bypass or long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, which moves the intestinal Y-connection further down the small intestine in order to further reduce food absorption.

Another gastric bypass procedure that has been gaining attention is the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) surgery. The procedure restricts eating less than the RNY, but bypasses a larger portion of the intestines causing greater malabsorption. Because it is a very complex operation with a high malabsorptive aspect, the duodenal switch is primarily recommended only for very obese individuals who have a BMI of 50 or higher.

Gastric bypass surgery may be performed through either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, depending on the individual patient’s anatomy. Gastric bypass surgery was initially performed through open surgery, but the development of laparoscopic techniques paved the way for the first laparoscopic RNY gastric bypass surgery in 1993. Laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions using special tools and does not require opening the entire abdominal wall. The benefit is a quicker recovery and less pain than associated with open surgery.

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Advantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Rapid weight loss in the first six months following surgery.
• Limits the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time.
• Reduces the amount of food (calories) that are absorbed by the body.
• Controls the intake of high-calorie sweets and fats due to dumping syndrome.
• Resolves or improves many obesity related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes.

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Gastric Bypass Patient Criteria

If you are considering gastric bypass surgery, Dr. Alejandro Lopez can help you determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure based on your weight, age, health, previous weight loss attempts, and medical history. Dr. Lopez will review your situation and discuss the various options with you to help you with your decision.

Although every individual is evaluated on a personal basis, the following list provides an overview of general patient criteria for gastric bypass surgery:

• Body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher, or 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds overweight for women.
• Body mass index (BMI) is 35 or higher with presence of obesity comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, severe sleep apnea, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and high cholesterol.
• History of obesity (at least 5 years).
• Previous attempts at weight loss have failed, including participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
• Previous attempts at weight loss have failed, including participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
• Emotionally stable and able to pass a psychological evaluation.
• Understand and willing to make the necessary diet and lifestyle changes required by surgery.

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Results of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery can help you lose a substantial amount of weight in a relatively short amount of time. Weight loss is quite rapid during the first six months following surgery, but gradually slows down as the body adapts to the changes. Weight loss eventually settles and the final weight is reached about 18 to 24 months after surgery.

[vc_message message_box_color=”alert-info”]On average, gastric bypass patients can expect to lose about 50% to 60% of the excess weight. Many patients have been able to lose 70% to 80% of the excess weight. Weight loss is typically at 70% after one year, but at 60% excess weight loss after five years, due to weight regain which usually occurs after the initial weight loss.[/vc_message]

Although gastric bypass surgery can be very successful in leading to weight loss, long-term weight loss is not a guarantee. The amount of weight loss and long-term results is affected by a person’s age, weight prior to surgery, health, and compliance with dietary and exercise guidelines. Long term weight loss maintenance is possible for patients who continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise behaviors.

Gastric bypass surgery is also very effective at resolving or improving many health conditions associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and arthritis. Many patients are able to reduce their dependency on medications for these health conditions soon after surgery, even before weight loss is finished.