What happens to your stomach in GB surgery?

[Kyra]

I know that when you get gastric bypass surgery your stomach is made smaller somehow, but how do they do this? Do they remove part of your stomach or seal it off somehow? Wouldn't that cause other health problems?

[madscientist]

I don't think they remove any of your stomach. I thought they just made it smaller by shrinking it by tying part of it off or something like that. The only reason why I don't think they remove anything is because don't surgeries that involve the removal of stuff usually have a "omy" attached to the name. Like lobotomy, hysterectomy, etc.?

[Paplo]

Nothing is removed in this surgery. Essentially, a surgeon staples your stomach so that only a small portion of it will hold the food you eat. The upper portion of your stomach that is used is called the "pouch" and is the size of a walnut. The bypass part of the surgery occurs when the surgeon attaches a small part of your intestine to the pouch. The food that you eat will travel through the small part of your stomach into this small opening into the intestine, which results in your body ingesting fewer calories.

So essentially, you will eat a lot less...that said, based on what this surgery does to your insides, as you can imagine, there are definitely risks involved.

[1000kw]

Yick! Really? That's what they do? How in the world could you possibly eat anything if they make your stomach the size of a walnut...I mean seriously, what could you possibly eat that wouldn't fill up that tiny pouch right away. And what about the rest of your stomach that's not being used?? I can't imagine it's good to just have it sitting there idle. Are these surgeries reversible or are you actually supposed to live with a teeny stomach for the rest of your life?

[kellykatt]

Yick! Really? That's what they do? How in the world could you possibly eat anything if they make your stomach the size of a walnut...I mean seriously, what could you possibly eat that wouldn't fill up that tiny pouch right away. And what about the rest of your stomach that's not being used?? I can't imagine it's good to just have it sitting there idle. Are these surgeries reversible or are you actually supposed to live with a teeny stomach for the rest of your life?

I agree with 1000kw. The other thing I'd want to know is how can you make sure you're getting enough nutrients if your stomach is that small. Are you supposed to take supplements?

[Mike]

I agree with 1000kw. The other thing I'd want to know is how can you make sure you're getting enough nutrients if your stomach is that small. Are you supposed to take supplements?

After the surgery you have to follow a special diet. You'll be off solid foods for about 8 weeks. You'll start off with liquids then work your way up to purees and then soft foods. It's a very slow process because you've got to get used to eating small amounts that your new small stomach can comfortably digest. Even once you reach the solid foods stage there are still a lot of foods that you have to avoid because they can trigger acid reflux or vomiting. Depending on your situation and how well you heal, you should be able to begin eating a normal healthy diet after four weeks, but you'll still need to watch what you eat, how much you eat and you'll need to eat and drink slowly. You will also likely take vitamin and minearl supplements to help ensure you get necessary nutrients.

Your doctor will explain your new diet lifestyle to you and it is important that you adhere to this diet to prevent complications.

[Kyra]

Nothing is removed in this surgery. Essentially, a surgeon staples your stomach so that only a small portion of it will hold the food you eat. The upper portion of your stomach that is used is called the "pouch" and is the size of a walnut. The bypass part of the surgery occurs when the surgeon attaches a small part of your intestine to the pouch. The food that you eat will travel through the small part of your stomach into this small opening into the intestine, which results in your body ingesting fewer calories.

So essentially, you will eat a lot less...that said, based on what this surgery does to your insides, as you can imagine, there are definitely risks involved.

Holy cow! I had no idea that they made the stomach THAT small. I can see now why it really is important that you follow such a strict diet after the operation. I can also see why a person would definitely slim down after such an operation!