One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Surgery
Robotic or Minimally Invasive One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
A typical Gastric Bypass separates the stomach into two sections: a smaller upper “pouch” and larger lower “remnant”. The small intestine is divided, and the lower intestine is attached to the upper “pouch” with stapler/sutures, the upper intestine is stapled/sewn to the lower intestine. In a One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass procedure, only the stomach is divided creating a slightly longer pouch, but the intestine is not divided. Instead, a loop of small intestine is connected to the small new stomach pouch. The One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass still combines the two concepts of Gastric Bypass: restrictive (“small stomach”) and malabsorptive (decreasing the amount of intestine that efficiently absorbs calories).
Like traditional Gastric Bypass, OAGB could be considered two surgeries in one. In one part of the surgery, the stomach that receives the food you eat is made much smaller, about the size of a hot dog. The smaller stomach “feels full” on much less food, which decreases how much you will want to eat for a meal. In the other part of the surgery, the rest of the stomach and about 5 feet of small intestine are bypassed; this is 5 feet less intestine that would normally be absorbing calories. No body parts are removed. The goal of OAGB is to help you eat less food and absorb less of the calories you eat. Gastric bypass can also significantly decrease your appetite, and most patients don’t really think much about eating for some time after surgery. You should be careful of that feeling because you still need to maintain a reasonable meal schedule and eat reasonably healthy food because your appetite will become more ‘normal’ over many years after surgery.
Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 night or as needed. Selected patients may be candidates for an aftercare suite at the discretion of the surgeon.
Many consider gastric bypass to be the most effective method of weight loss and weight maintenance of all surgical and medical techniques commonly available. The average “extra” body weight loss is generally 60-80%. You should know that weight loss among a large patient population of patients is highly variable and is due to many reasons aside from the surgery alone.
Studies show significant improvement or even resolution of medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and many others. In addition, patients report significantly improved quality of life.
Considering One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass?
Like several weight loss surgeries, traditional guidelines, supported by older literature and the insurance industry, recommend that you have a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or higher, or as low as 30 if you have health problems related to being overweight. There are surgeons who will perform some weight loss surgery for patients with or without related health conditions. Weight loss surgery of any type is a serious consideration, and all options should be discussed carefully with your surgeon.
In considering weight loss surgery, you will be carefully evaluated by your surgeon and fully advised of the considerations and risks involved. You should also have a general health assessment by your primary care doctor who can make sure you have no other health problems that need to be addressed and you are prepared to have anesthesia and surgery.
Request an appointment for more information about the benefits, alternatives, and risks of weight loss surgery.
Email us at [email protected]
or Call (805) 230-0030
What’s the One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Surgery like?
Gastric bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be safely and comfortably asleep. The surgery is performed through 4-5 incisions about as wide as a straw or Sharpie pen. Typically, patients stay 1 night in the hospital, but as long as needed for safety. You may resume your normal activities as quickly as you are able.
What’s life like after One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass?
Aside from significant weight loss in the first year, patients – typically lead remarkably normal lives. Because the duodenum is bypassed, absorption of iron, calcium, and other nutrients may be limited, leading to concerns such as iron deficiency anemia or Vitamin B12 deficiency. Women, already at risk for osteoporosis that can occur after menopause, should be aware of the potential for heightened bone calcium loss. Your surgeon will discuss ways to minimize these concerns with a reasonable diet and supplements that can be obtained over the counter. The advantage of performing thousands of weight loss surgeries is the ability to help patients achieve and maintain successful weight management.
Request an appointment for more information about the benefits, alternatives, and risks of weight loss surgery.
Email us at [email protected] or Call us at 805.230.0030