Gastric bypass surgery, also known as male stomach stapling, is a type of bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) that makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. The result is that you will feel full more quickly. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in fewer calories being absorbed.

Men who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more – which is about 100 pounds overweight – are considered severely obese and may be good candidates for weight loss surgery.

Obesity surgery may also be an option for men with a BMI between 35 and 40 who suffer from obesity-related problems (for example, severe sleep apnea, obesity-related heart disease, or diabetes).

Before having gastric bypass surgery, you will need to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. This consultation may include a chest x-ray, blood work, a nutrition consult, and a psychological consult. Some people will also require a gastroscopy (EGD) or upper GI (UGI). The surgeon will also determine if additional medical clearance is necessary from a cardiologist, pulmonologist or other medical specialist.

The surgeon will give you preoperative instructions as to what you can or cannot eat or drink before surgery, which medications you should take or avoid, and a list of things you will need to have on hand for your recovery. During your consultation, the surgeon will answer any questions you might have, so come to your appointment prepared.

Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be given drugs through an IV to put you to sleep.

The surgeon will make your stomach smaller by creating a small pouch at the top of your stomach using surgical staples or a plastic band. The smaller stomach is then connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine.

This connection redirects the food, bypassing most of your stomach and the first section of your small intestine. Food goes directly into the second section of your small intestine, limiting your ability to absorb calories.

Some surgeons perform this procedure using a laparoscope – a small, tubular instrument with a camera attached – through short incisions in the abdomen. This is called a laparoscopic gastric bypass.

The laparoscopic bypass surgery allows for a faster recovery, but not everyone is a good candidate. Ask your doctor which type of surgery is appropriate for you.

Many people spend two or three days in the hospital after gastric bypass surgery. During gastric bypass surgery recovery, your stomach will be swollen and sore for the first several days. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medication as needed.

You may awaken with a tube that has been passed through your nose into your upper stomach pouch. The tube is connected to a suction machine to keep the stomach pouch empty so that the staple line can heal.

You may have another tube in your stomach that comes out the side of your abdomen. This tube is removed four to six weeks after surgery. Some skin irritation may develop around this tube.

You will not be allowed to eat for one or two days after your surgery so that your stomach can heal. Then, you will have to follow a diet that progress from liquids to pureed food to soft foods and finally to regular foods. You will also need to take nutritional supplements.

Most people don’t return to work and a normal schedule for two to four weeks. You may be required to wear a surgical compression garment (see below for post-surgical support garment options), and limit your activities for a few weeks following surgery.

Gastric bypass scars are permanent, but will fade over time.

Gastric Bypass Compression (Support) Garments
In the days and weeks following gastric bypass surgery, your doctor may instruct you to purchase and wear an abdominal support garment. These are designed to help improve and increase blood circulation, rid your body of potentially harmful fluids, decrease your post surgery recovery time and reduce swelling. They also help the new skin fit the body’s contours allowing you to recover faster. To purchase a bariatric surgery compression garment, click on the links below. Among your garment options are mid-thigh body shapers and mid-calf body shapers.

These garments are typically worn immediately after your surgery. They are generally worn continuously for several weeks, so you may want to purchase more than one.

Contour® is America's 1^st choice in premium quality post-surgical compression garments for women and men. Contour® has 25 years of experience with design, fabric and craftsmanship so Contour® garments fit every subtle contour of the body, offering unprecedented comfort during the recovery process. ContourMD website also offers helpful information on recovery tips and sizing charts.

Although gastric bypass surgery is a relatively safe procedure, all surgery comes with some risk. Potential gastric bypass surgery risks may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Scarring
• Gallstones
• Iron or vitamin B12 deficiencies
• Nausea and vomiting after eating
• Ulcers
• Loosening of the staples
• Hernia
• Hiccups and bloating
• Death

Many of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Gastric bypass surgery costs vary based on a number of factors including:

• Type of surgery
• Geographic location
• Facility fees
• Surgeon expertise and demand

Costs can range from around $18,000 to around $22,000.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

WebMD

OmniMedicalSearch.com

Baylor College of Medicine