Gastric bypass surgery is a surgical procedure in which the stomach is made smaller by stapling it and dividing it into two compartments. The smallest compartment is called a bag. Most of the stomach is bypassed, which means that food surrounds it, rather than through it. A small opening called an outlet is made in the newly formed pouch and is connected to one end of the intestine. Food will go directly from the bag to the intestine, but it will take several hours for the bag to empty because the exit opening is small and makes you feel full longer. Plus, because the bag holds about 2 ounces of food, you'll eat less food at a time, helping you lose weight. You will eat smaller amounts of food and feel full very quickly. Because the end of the intestine that is used to empty the stomach will bypass the upper part of the intestines, it will reduce the absorption of food, which will also help you reduce and control your weight. You will need replenishment of vitamins and minerals because the main stomach and the first part of the small intestine are bypassed.
When you start eating and taking medicine, remember that anything that passes through the stomach must be small enough to pass through the exit opening. As a guideline, food must be able to pass through a straw, so you are put on a special liquid diet immediately after surgery. The goal is to let the stomach heal; Only soft liquids and solids should be ingested for the first two months. Since many pills are quite large and will not fit through the outlet, we ask that you crush all medications or take them in liquid or chewable form. You will receive written instructions from your dietitian on the proper diet to follow. Food will go directly from the bag to the intestine, but it will take several hours for the bag to empty because the exit opening is small and makes you feel full longer. Plus, because the bag holds about 2 ounces of food, you'll eat less food at a time, helping you lose weight. You will eat smaller amounts of food and feel full very quickly. Because the end of the intestine that is used to empty the stomach will bypass the upper part of the intestines, it will reduce the absorption of food, which will also help you reduce and control your weight. You will need replenishment of vitamins and minerals because the main stomach and the first part of the small intestine are bypassed.
It is very important that you do not overeat, especially during the first two months after surgery, when your stomach is healing. If you eat more than your stomach can hold, you risk vomiting. Remember, the stomach is very delicate.
You also need to know about dumping syndrome, a side effect of the operation. Dumping syndrome can include one or all of the following symptoms: lightheadedness, dizziness, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, cramps, and / or diarrhea. This condition is the result of eating the wrong food, overeating, or drinking with or too soon after meals. Food quickly enters the intestines and causes it to distend, producing some or all of the symptoms mentioned above. Highly concentrated foods, such as sweets and high-fat foods, can cause spillage, so these foods should be avoided. Your dietitian will review the substitutions for these foods with you.