Hello,
After looking at a gastric bypass weight loss chart, I’m encouraged to lose weight for the first time since my divorce. I had a serious knee injury in 2013 and gained a lot of weight. I hate it so much, it emotionally hurts to even type this out, but I’ve gained 100 pounds since then. After the bypass, I want to meet my goal weight.
I have questions. I’m the curious type, and unsure about about surgery, so I came up with a few weight loss surgery questions:
- How much of your stomach does gastric bypass remove? Is there such thing as a “gastric bypass sleeve?”
- Is the gastric bypass weight loss by month chart pretty consistent? Are there people who don’t lose weight after weight loss surgery?
- If I’m not losing weight after gastric bypass, what other options do I have?
I’m mostly just nervous I won’t lose weight.
Thanks,
Edith Simpson
Surgeon Response to: Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Chart
by: John Rabkin, M.D.
Ms. Simpson,
With the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) procedure, none of the stomach is actually removed. Instead, the very top portion just beyond the end of the esophagus ('swallowing tube') is separated from the main part of the stomach to create a pouch with a capacity of around 30 ml which is attached directly to a limb of proximal small intestine. The remainder of the stomach remains in place and produces gastric fluids which drain normally. I'm not aware of any WLS procedure known as a "gastric bypass sleeve."
Although it is possible that someone wouldn't lose weight after undergoing a RYGB, that would be exceedingly unusual. People who consume large quantities of caloric dense liquids (think sugary drinks) conceivably could have little to no subsequent weight loss. However, routinely people lose weight after undergoing the RYGB over a period of time, usually 12 to 18 months.
Following a period of weight stabilization, a significant minority of patients following RYGB unfortunately begin to regain weight as their small stomach pouch increases in capacity over time. Adhering to a rigorous post WLS program of exercise and eating a proper diet helps to ensure that this avoidable problem won't affect you as a WLS patient.
I wouldn't be concerned that you won't lose the excess weight that you intend to lose if you proceed with the RYGB WLS procedure provided that you follow your surgeon's and/or bariatrician's post WLS program of proper diet and exercise.
Should you unfortunately begin to regain weight over time despite your best efforts not to do so, other alternative options are available, including additional surgery if necessary. However, at this time in your journey I would focus on being successful with your RYGB and not worry about what to do in the unlikely event that you're not: you will be most successful with the power of positive thinking!
John M. Rabkin, M.D.
Pacific Laparoscopy
(click here for Dr. Rabkin's full bio & contact info)
DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.
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