• Stapling and division of the stomach:  My stomach will be divided into two separate parts.  The upper part of the stomach, into which food will pass, will be 15-30 cubic centimetres (one half to one fluid ounce) in size.  The lower stomach will be bypassed, and will no longer contact my food.

 

• Roux en-Y Bowel Connection:  My bowel will be cut, about 15 Cm below the duodenum, and will be re-arranged in a 'Y' configuration, to provide a pathway for the food out of the stomach.  It will be connected to the upper stomach pouch by a small opening, one half inch in diameter.

 

• Removal of the Gallbladder: If my Gallbladder is abnormal in any way, it will be removed, to prevent my having future problems and need for additional major surgery.
   


• Other Necessary Surgery:  My abdomen will be examined and "explored" at the time of surgery.  No other procedures will be performed, unless an unexpected condition is found, which might affect my immediate health or safety, and which indicates necessary surgery to correct it.

Any surgical procedure requires the acceptance of some risk, in order to gain the benefits sought from the operation.  The complications of this surgery include the risk of anaesthesia, which is greater in the morbidly obese.  In addition, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and prior abdominal surgery, especially prior surgery on the stomach, increase the risk of surgery.

Problems likely to occur at and around the time of surgery include bleeding, infection, leakage of bowel closures, or bowel obstruction.  The necessity to open the stomach and bowel may lead to abscess formation in the abdomen or formation of an abdominal communication of the bowel with the skin.  Injury to the spleen may occur, requiring its removal.  Pneumonia or lung collapse can occur, or embolism of blood clots, and can require assistance with breathing.  Post-operative depression or emotional imbalance is possible.  Other conditions may possible occur with less frequency.  Not all side effects or hazards of the operation may be known, and the results of surgery cannot be guaranteed.

The operative mortality of similar procedures has been 0.5% in several thousand cases performed in many locations.  Every effort is made to prevent problems, and I understand and accept that they may still occur.

There are several problems, which might occur from months to years after the operation.  Bowel obstruction from adhesions or hernia formation is possible at any time, as with any abdominal surgery.  Gastric hyperacidity and ulcers of the stomach or narrowing of the stomach outlet may occur occasionally.  Persistent nausea is usually related to a poor eating pattern.  Nutritional deficiencies are possible, and use of high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary for life.

Most patients who undergo Gastric Bypass, Roux en-Y have lost significant amounts of weight, but there is no guarantee of any weight loss from surgery.  The operation should be thought of as a tool to improve control of weight, which require appropriate use, for maximum benefit to occur.  Weight loss usually exceeds 50% of excess body weight, and many patients lose 75-100% of excess weight.  Health problems associate with excess weight are also usually benefited.

Re-operation may be needed, at some future time, to correct problems, which might occur.  The Gastric Bypass operation is reversible, although there is seldom any practical reason to consider reversal.