What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery, also known as stomach stapling, is a weight loss surgery that shrinks the stomach and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine.
During bariatric bypass surgery, gastric bypass surgeons use surgical staples or plastic bands to create a small pouch at the upper end of the stomach. The pouch is then connected directly to the small intestine, allowing the food to bypass the upper portion of the intestine. Because the stomach itself is smaller, you’ll feel fuller faster, and because the food is bypassing part of the intestine, fewer calories are absorbed.
Some plastic surgeons prefer laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery to traditional gastric bypass surgery. During laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, the gastric bypass is done through small abdominal incisions with the help of a small tube fixed with a camera.
Laparoscopic bypass surgery is less invasive than other weight loss surgeries, which makes recovery from gastric bypass surgery easier. However, it’s not appropriate for everyone. Ask your surgeon which type of bariatric surgery is best for you.
After weight loss following gastric bypass surgery, you’ll need to wear a bariatric compression garment to help with the healing and to help contour your new shape. Your options include body shaper briefs, mid-calf body shapers, mid-thigh body shapers, and ankle-length body shapers.
