Gastric Bypass

During the gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, about the size of a golf ball.

The surgeon then attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows the food to bypass a portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients.

Having the smaller stomach pouch causes the patient to feel full sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patient’s body absorbs fewer calories. Like other metabolic surgeries, it also helps to establish a lower, healthier body fat set point by changing the signals between the stomach, brain, and liver.

Patients report an early sense of fullness and satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat. Patients who have gastric bypass generally lose more weight than patients who undergo other surgeries.

For More Information

If you have any questions, or would just like more information about this procedure, please contact our Bariatric Coordinator, Heather, at (605) 217-5511.

You can also reach Heather by email: hgarlinghouse@midlandsclinic.com.