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. Dr. David Kim was the first surgeon to perform laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery in Fort Worth. He and Dr. Bridget Holden continue to help gastric bypass surgery patients from Dallas, Texas and 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, Dr. Kim needs 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 Dr. Kim and enables him to monitor the progress of the procedure closely. To learn more about laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery at our practice serving the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco and Arlington, Texas areas, please contact us today. Dr. Kim performs Gastric Bypass and all of the other operations through laproscopic, minimally invasive techniques.

Before Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery

Dr. David Kim believes in educating all of his patients on all four options for bariatric surgery so that they can choose the procedure that best meets their needs. During the consultation at our practice, you will get to hear from Dr. Kim or Dr. Holden as well as from past bariatric surgery patients.

There are many benefits and a few risks that are associated with laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Kim or Dr. Holden and their staff will make sure that you are aware of these details before you proceed with treatment.

Once you decide that laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is right for you, the next step is to attend our Bariatric University Seminar. During this program, additional information will be provided to help you prepare for your procedure. Dr. Kim has an excellent staff of dieticians, experienced nurses, psychologists, and insurance experts to help guide you through the process.

The Gastric Bypass Procedure

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 surgery, the team at our bariatric surgery practice will be right there with you, offering follow-up care and support. 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 Dr. Kim or Dr. Holden, one will be made for you quickly.

We provide support groups for patients to attend after their laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure. These groups are led by Pam, our bariatric nurse coordinator, and offer patients a chance to connect with their peers and to continue receiving educational and emotional support.

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 Laproscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery

Laproscopic 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 patients life.

Contact our Practice for Additional Information

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 Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco, Texas-area practice today. We also serve patients from Arlington, Colleyville, North Richland Hills, Southlake, and nearby areas.

Back to top