Gastric Bypass: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Before a Month of the Surgery

• A few diagnostic tests, including blood tests and an ultrasound scan of the stomach, are performed almost a month before the surgery to make sure that there are no risks involved and the condition of the patient is perfect for gastric bypass surgery.
• The patient should gather all the possible information about the risks involved, changes to be made, and the extent of weight loss they are likely to experience.
• The patient should inform the physician about their usage of specific over-the-counter or herbal medicines, smoking habits, or if she is pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

During the Week of the Surgery

• The patient stops taking aspirin-like medicines
• The physician informs the patient which medicines can be taken until the day of the surgery

Right Before the Surgery

• The patient should completely avoid taking food and water hours before the surgery
• The patient takes medicines advised by the physician with a small sip of water

Gastric bypass surgery is performed in two phases:

Phase I

• A small part of the stomach, of about 30 millilitres to 1 ounce in volume, is cut.
• This is done to form a gastric pouch, where the food will go after eating once the patient is done with the surgery.

 Phase II: Bypass

• The upper part of the small intestine is cut in the middle. The lower part of the small intestine, jejunum, is now attached to the gastric pouch.
• The upper part of the small intestine is also attached to the jejunum. This facilitates the mixing of stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the stomach pouch and the upper portion of the small intestine with the food. This allows for normal digestion.

• 1-4 days of hospital stay may be required
• Pain medications and medicines to prevent blood clots is administered after the surgery
• The patient is able to eat normally only after 3 days of the surgery
• Special stockings to prevent formation of blood clots in the legs will be advised
• The patient should follow diet and exercise as suggested by the physician and the dietitian

  There is a significant weight loss in the first month after the surgery, which gradually decreases. To maintain the intensity of weight loss, the patient must follow a strict exercise routine and diet.

  The following medical conditions usually improve after gastric bypass surgery:

  • Asthma
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

Cost of Gastric Bypass 

Bariatric surgery cost in India varies from one hospital to the other. Some of the other factors that dictate the total cost of bariatric surgery in India includes the following:

• The city that you choose for the procedure
• The fees of the gastric bypass surgeons conducting the procedure
• The need to conduct any side procedures
• The total duration of hospital stay
• Type of hospital room opted for
• Speed of recovery

 Gastric bypass surgery cost is no different when it comes to the variation in pricing. The following table highlights the approximate gastric bypass cost in India and a few other popular medical tourism destinations: