Minimally Invasive
Gastric Bypass

Over 140,000 gastric bypass procedures are performed in the United States every year. The first gastric bypass was performed in 1967, and more data has been collected about this operation than any other type of bariatric surgery. Because gastric bypass is the oldest and most popular bariatric surgery procedure in the United States, it is often referred to as the “gold standard” – and recent innovations have made gastric bypass surgery even safer than ever before. Our team of weight loss surgeons continue to help gastric bypass surgery patients from Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, as well as nearby areas, change their lives with this procedure.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery vs. Open Gastric Bypass Surgery

Approximately 99 percent of the gastric bypass procedures at our practice are performed using laparoscopic techniques. In the remaining 1 percent of cases, because of the patient’s health and past medical history, our doctor may need to perform open gastric bypass surgery. Although both methods can help patients achieve significant weight loss, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is the preferred method because it allows for a quicker healing period, less pain, and a much smaller chance of infection. This is considered minimally invasive surgery.

A large incision is required for open gastric bypass surgery; however, only a few small incisions are needed for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. An instrument called a laparoscope is introduced through one of these incisions. The laparoscope has a small camera attached to its tip that films the inside of the patient’s abdomen. These images are transmitted to a video display that helps guide DFW Bariatric Institute surgeons and enables them to monitor the progress of the procedure closely. To learn more about laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, please contact us today. The DFW Bariatric Institute performs gastric bypass and most other operations through laparoscopic, minimally invasive techniques.

 

Donna’s Weight Loss Success

Gastric Bypass Surgery

“I’m already down 122 pounds and still going! I am eating right, exercising daily, am more confident, fit and stronger than I have ever been! Gastric bypass has helped me transform not only on the outside, but on the inside as well. Life is good now! I’m grateful for the second chance and am now living life to the fullest! It feels great to be happy and healthy again!” — Donna

Read Donna’s Story

Before Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery

Our practice believes in educating our patients on all weight loss options so that they can choose the procedure that best meets their needs. During the consultation at our practice, you will get to hear from one of our surgeons.

There are many benefits and a few risks that are associated with laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. Our team will make sure that you are aware of these details before you proceed with treatment.

The Gastric Bypass Procedure

gastric bypass illustration
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery involves the creation of a small egg-sized pouch that is detached from the remainder of the stomach and connected to the lower part of the small intestine. The upper part of the small intestine is then reattached to create a “Y” shape (this is why gastric bypass is often called the “roux-en-y”). The lower part of the stomach continues to receive its blood supply and is not removed.

Because the pouch is separated from the lower part of the stomach, food will no longer enter this part of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. Food will go into the small pouch and directly on to the lower intestine, limiting the calories and fat that the body would normally absorb. Also, because the pouch is able to hold only a few ounces of food, the amount of food that can be eaten at a meal is reduced. Patients will need to chew their food very thoroughly after undergoing the procedure.

After Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery

As you begin your new life after weight loss surgery, the team at our bariatric surgery practice will be right there with you, offering follow-up care. We will see you approximately one to two weeks after your surgery to make sure everything is going well, and additional check-up exams will occur once every four months for the next year. After that, we will see you at least once a year to monitor your progress and health. Of course, if at any time you feel that you need an appointment with your surgeon, one will be made for you quickly.

We will also give you detailed diet and exercise instructions to follow after surgery, such as choosing high-protein foods and engaging in physical activity four or five times a week.

Benefits and Risks of Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass surgery has been performed the longest because it is still, today, one of the best ways that patients can lose significant amounts of weight and keep it off. It can allow a patient to lose 70-80% of those pounds.

  • It can cure a patient of Type II Diabetes 95% of the time.
  • It is also an excellent operation to cure a patient’s obesity related co-morbidities (problems related to obesity) like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, back pain, knee pain, and foot pain.
  • Many obese women might find it hard to conceive due to their weight and infertility. Many healthy babies have been born to mothers who have had Gastric Bypass surgery.
  • Because the weight loss allows a patient to walk more freely without pain or fatigue, the bypass patient can exercise more. This will promote health and possibly add years to a patient’s life.

The members of our bariatric surgery team value your health and want to see you live life without the burden of obesity. To learn more about weight loss treatment through laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, please contact our practice today.

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Patient Testimonials


Janet S.

Lost 93 pounds*

"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."

Vivian P.

Lost 140 pounds*

“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”

Sherrie M.

Lost 110 pounds*

“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”

John E.

Lost 90 pounds*

“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”

Kathy D.

Lost 161 pounds*

“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”

Brian S.

Lost 130 pounds*

“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”

Lorna Q.

Lost 107 pounds*

"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”

Danielle L.

Lost 154 pounds*

“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”

Dennis H.

Lost 170 pounds*

“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."